Refitting a rear bumper and valance

[hammersmith]

Hi after preparing a new valance and chrome bumper, is there an easy way to reassemble it onto the car. Should I bolt on the spring bar I think it’s called, then the valance and chrome part.
Many thanks

[ManyMinors]

I would built up the whole assembly off the car first and then fit the whole thing back on. Youll probably have to make a few adjustments and file holes out etc. It isn't a difficult job but take your time and keep making checks. Be careful not to scratch your newly painted valance and use some copper grease around all the threads to ease future removal.

[svenedin]

I recently did the front and that I did by assembling the spring bar, valence and chrome bumper blade, overriders off the car and then offering up the whole assembly. These were all the original parts but still they won't necessarily go back on all beautifully lined up without some pressure here and there whilst tightening up the fixings.

Stephen

[Chief]

I suggest painting the inside of the chrome bumper blade to help prevent it rusting to the valance over time (and extra paint on the valance where the blade fits).

Also lots of copper grease on all the bolts/nuts etc. that hold the blade to the valance in addition to the nuts that hold the whole assembly to the car.

[myoldjalopy]

I suggest painting the inside of the chrome bumper blade to help prevent it rusting to the valance over time (and extra paint on the valance where the blade fits).

Also lots of copper grease on all the bolts/nuts etc. that hold the blade to the valance in addition to the nuts that hold the whole assembly to the car.

Yes, because the nuts sometimes rust onto the bolts, and if you need to remove them, the bolts then tend to rotate round in their respective holes, despite the fact that they are not meant to! Any nut/bolt exposed to the weather is subject to rusting. I use copper grease on the threads and then slap a bit of ordinary grease over the nuts/bolts after the assembly is fitted back onto the car.

[svenedin]

I'm a great fan of copper grease. If you have owned the same car for a long time you will end up thanking yourself for using it. This I can guarantee!

Stephen

[Chief]

sometimes

always

Also, the overriders will rub and rust away the chrome of the bumper blade, so protection where they rub could be a good idea.

[hammersmith]

Hi, well after a lot of tweaking and having to drill and grind the spring and fibreglass holes I succeeded. However not without the odd scratch. And yes I have had copper grease for a number of years, so it came in handy. Also I was glad I had two ratchet type clamps. The suggestion to put it together off the vehicle was very helpful. I think I will have to do some touching up of the minor scratches. This is the first time I have had to remove the rear bumper, I looked in various manuals but no where did it show the rear bumper set up. A very big thank to you all for your help. Happy Easter. Mike.