Trying to figure if this bumper is bent or just needs to be reinstalled better
At the top center it’s up tight against the gasket, about 1” out on the ends
Can this be adjusted with brackets or is bumper not square , it was removed and installed in 1980 for a repaint . That’s all we know about it . It appears as it was re chromed too at some point .
Any thoughts from someone who has experience installing 71-73 rear number
Thanks
Dave
Hustler Stick…
Avail on ebay. I bought one in 2007 to align our front bomper. Wonderful tool. Told Don Rush about it and he liked it so well he did a video about it. I think he even used to loan it out for free if you paid shipping!! That was a long time ago too!! Worth every penny and you can use it so straighten more than bumpers. Call Don at WCCC and get his input
Thank you , I have seen that tool in some of the threads . Almost like I need to hold th bumper flat on the ground and push the far ends down about an inch on each side to “ flatten it out “ , not sure if the more mounting bolts will give me that ability
Looks like you put the rubber foot on the bumper end under the fender extension and the stiks hook on the bumpers lower edge and lift up. Repeat on thher side
Sounds correct , then I should be able to tighten the bumper bolts and they will hold it in that position. The bumper bolts will allow me to “twist / rotate “ far left end and far right end a bit . Because the top center is already tight against the gasket
If you are happy with the fit between the frame brackets , leave those bolts tight and just twist the ends.
On my 67 front , i had to drop the tubular brackets that went to the far corners , twist , then replace the corner tubes
Thanks , that’s what I thought , just didn’t know it could be done that way , I guess back then that’s how body shops might have done that . I was considering finding an old school body guy , and seek his advice . Now I have a good idea of what options I may have , thanks again !
Hi Dbran: Here’s some images I captured when I was trolling on the internet for 1971 - 73 Cougar Rear bumper / trunk, and there isn’t a lot that shows the alignment between the bumper and the trunk filler gasket.
Thanks ! I have been trolling the internet looking at examples too . I’ve seen better and worse ! I watched the video from Don Rush at WCCC . He showed using a bumper bar tool to gently bend the assembly into place . I checked with my close friend “ snap on tool rep “ and he services a body shop with that tool . I am going to give it a gentle go and see what happens. Not looking for perfection, don’t think they we perfect to start with ! Just want to get it very close . Trying not to let “ the pursuit of perfection be the enemy of the good “
Remember they were not “perfect” when they left the factory.
The
hustler bar is a real bagin at under $200. A great tool for any shop.
Very skillful operator with the ‘hustler stick’ ! That is perfect - something that the assembly line workers weren’t able ( or not given the time ) to do.
It’s nice to see you have made the ‘correction’ and thus provide yourself with another ‘view’ to appreciate your Cougar. Great work !
Thanks ! Judges top 30 pick Today , over 200 cars ! Must have been that “perfect “ rear bumper ! Lol! Anyway , it’s nice to see a Cougar get some recognition!
Great looking cat!
Thanks ! Only ever seen 2 in my area , mine plus one more almost same color combo as yours . Very nice !
