1967 front bumpers 25 pages of Archives

[John M.]

So for 2 days I've tried everything to install my front bumpers, with no joy. I've installed the pass side first with all hardware loose, then the driver's side but could not get the cross bar to fit. When I force it into place it pushes the bumpers outward and puts huge pressure on the corner bolts. This scares the crap out of me I'm afraid of cracking the front end. I've tried putting the bumpers on without the bottom braces which isn't a problem until trying to install those braces again. I can get them on but it takes a lot of force then it puts strain on the corners.

If I put the bottom braces on first then I cant get the corners to align up without force on the bumpers.

I've tried putting the bumper on as one piece that was a joke the corners where they bolt up to the fender are so far away it looks like they belong to a different car. I'm really stressing over cracking the fornt end with too much pressure from the bolts against the fenders.

I've read 25 pages in the archives and this seems like a common problem, however the typical answers is to keep everything loose and tighten up at once. How the heck would you tighten up at once, of course Ive tried tighten up a little at a time but this still doesn't help.

This car has been in restoration since 1977! I had the bumpers restored maybe they are out of specs???

If someone is in the Jacksonville area I'm willing to pay for help.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: 1967 front bumpers 25 pages of Archives

Did they fit before you had them plated? If so I wonder if they got bent somehow. GOOD LUCK

[John M.]

Re: 1967 front bumpers 25 pages of Archives

I'm guessing yes, they are the original bumpers however its been in restoration since 1977, I've own it for 2 years. I got the car in boxes, It was a frame off restoration. The guy who own it passed away before he could get here done, its been tough putting the car back together since I didn't take her apart. The trim shop was very experienced and he said they are the original bumpers.

[Gene M.]

Re: 1967 front bumpers 25 pages of Archives

John,
I've run into the same issues. The position of the bumpers is critical to keeping the outer mounting without stress. Make sure the inner lower mounts are not tight open up holes and make so bumper brace just slip around bumper mounting tail with both bolts slipping thru holes. You need to bias the mounts (center one thru grill has most effect on bumper position) as far rearward as possible to avoid the outers mounting from being farther the fender. Also after getting both bumpers snug mounted as you want them then tackle the center bar. I find the center bar "always" need some enlargement of the holes. Carbide die grinder takes care this since the chrome is very hard. Sometimes the outer ends of the bar need material removal too. Get it so it just slips in without forcing it to get all 4 of the 7/16" bolts in. Original bars fit best, repops requiring more die grinder work.

[John M.]

Re: 1967 front bumpers 25 pages of Archives

thanks Gene, the center bar has the holes enlarged already but I try to remove some from the sides. I also need to get the bottom mounts so they will slide right now I have to bang them to move them. This might be the whole problem with the setup, seems pretty simple up front but these are a real pain.

[John M.]

Re: 1967 front bumpers 25 pages of Archives

Gene thanks for the suggestions, after 3 days of fighting all is well! Not 100% perfect but its real close now. I should be able to get her perfect tomorrow after work.

[Gerard F.]

Re: 1967 front bumpers 25 pages of Archives

John,

I had a similar problem with my 67, in changing a bumper brace.

Someone had backed into me and bent the D/S bumper brace. Not a big deal until I put on some new radial tires. Noticed a rub on a sharp turn on the D/S.

So I thought I'd change the bent bumper brace.

After a lot of trial and error, I found that there is an order to the bolting.

Do the side first (leave it a little loose), then the bumper brace (also leave a little loose). Last is the center mount bolts.

Then you will need a large punch to jimmee the bolt holes to position. Once you get one set then you are in the clear.
Found that the bumper brace acts as a pivot, and when you force the center bolts to set, it moves the side fender mount forward.

You would be surprised how flexible the fiberglass fender assembly is. The result of my changing the bumper brace with the method above, resolved my tire rub problem.

Have fun,