Front bumper for early series II

[54woody]

I ordered a new front bumper for my car from a "local" vendor (about 2 hours away). When I went to fit it on the weekend, I was very surprised to find that it doesn't fit my car. The mounting holes where the overriders attach are several inches further out from the center. Also, the profile along the bottom edge in the center section seems a bit different. I assume that what I've received is a bumper for a later horizontal grille car. Is the bumper for a cheese-grater still available from any of the suppliers? If not, I guess I could send the original out to be rechromed, but that's going to be a considerably more expensive option.

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

The proper type bumper for the cheese grater grill is no longer available. Another option is to drill holes were the over riders should be and use another chrome bolt to fill the extra hole that will be left. I have a new old stock bumper tucked away still in its BMC wrapper for when I eventually get my 54 on the road!

[mike.perry]

Neither the front valance or bumper bar are available for the late Series MM, early Series 2. The valance is obviously different to fit the different grille and you have noticed that the overriders are closer to the centre on earlier cars. This is to avoid masking the side lights. As the 2 door Series MM did not have overriders it was not a problem on these cars

[Dean]

Sadly, the only place you are likely to find one of these is in an old field somewhere in Australia. As rare as rocking horse poo, springs to mind.

Is there no way yours can be repaired?

[54woody]

Asside from the difference in hole placement, the bottom edge of my original bumper has a different shape in the center section. Where the new bumper is an arc, the original is much flatter accross the center with a slight bend on both sides just outboard of where the overriders attach (see photo). The valance has the same shape. I'm not sure if this is the original shape or is a result of damage or the overriders having been overtightened.[frame][/frame]

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

I have a new old stock bumper tucked away still in its BMC wrapper for when I eventually get my 54 on the road!

I hope you've wiped it well with an oil-soaked cloth otherwise it'll be fit for nothing. The wax paper will have long dried out.

'54 Woody: you can use 500 grit wet or dry to remove rust specks where the chrome is pitted and then wipe it over regularly with an oily rag to keep the rust out.

Anyway I thought you call them fenders over there to literally 'fend off' other cars? Battle scars are nothing to be ashamed of.

[mike.perry]

I have fitted a new style blade over an old style valance.
I think that the only way they will be restocked is if someone produces a batch in fibreglass

[54woody]

Michael, do you know if the bottom edge of the early bumpers were shaped like the one in my photo?

Andy

[Dean]

I'm sure mine is the same profile as your new one. This picture looks round too.

http://potteries.mmoc.org.uk/Identify.htm

[mike.perry]

Can't tell from the photo, may get a chance to check original over the weekend

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

I think that your bumper must have got bent at some time as the new one is the right shape.

[54woody]

I had a good close look at the old bumper and valance this evening and I'm convinced that you're right David. They have been bent out shape at some point in the past.

I'm going to go with the new replacement bumper. Rather than drill holes in it, I'm going to leave the overriders off for now. I kind of prefer the cleaner overrider-less look anyway. I will have to drill a couple of new holes in the valance, but that's not a big deal. If I can find a pair of #ACA5130 overrider mount brackets from a later car (see item 14 in pic below), I should be able to mount the new bumper so that all but the most trained eyes won't know any better.

If anybody knows the whereabouts of a pair of these brackets, please do tell.
[frame][/frame]

[Dean]

I'd ask for some measurements first but there is one for sale on fleabay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI. ... 0821457445

[Dean]

tter.

If anybody knows the whereabouts of a pair of these brackets, please do tell.
[frame][/frame]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MORRIS-MINOR- ... 2a152f8019

[mike.perry]

Those brackets are not essential for mounting the bumper.

[54woody]

Those brackets are not essential for mounting the bumper.

Understood. Thanks Michael.
Btw, the brake parts arrived today and all seems to be in order.

[mike.perry]

Should keep you busy fitting them