How To Adjust Gap Between '71 Bumper and Hood

[71_bronze_gtx]

Aformentioned gap on my car is about 3/4", which I think is larger than it should be. Looking at the FSM, it would appear the major attachments are on the lower part of the hoop, attaching to the supports. To close up the gap all the way around, you would need to move the supports backward. To close up the gap only at the top, the bumper would need to be angled back somehow. The FSM also shows what they termed "impact pads" attached to the fenders which seem to support the sides of the hoop. Not sure if these are attached to the bumper also or have some sort of profile interlocking fit?

Anybody able to tell me how they got their gap set right?

Mine isn't off yet, but will be soon so I can deal with surface rust in the general area - headlight bucket supports, inside of fenders, etc.

Thanks.

[ILUV72RRs]

I can't say for sure what the gap is. But I heard way back in time that the reason Chryler went to the simpler front bumper starting in 1973 is that they had lots of production problems with getting '71-'72 bumpers that weren't tweaked, and had to throw lots of them away, losing money over that. Which might explain why they don't always fit like we wish they would..

[71Satellite98661]

The impact bumpers are only attached to the fenders. I can't remember if there are slotted holed for fore/aft adjustment but don't think so. There is likely a gap between the backside of the bumper and the impact pads so they wouldn't be holding the bumper out.

[phatdak18]

Neither the impact pads nor the lower bumper brackets mounting holes are slotted. However, the brackets themselves should be slotted, allowing for that fore & aft movement. I am planning on doing the exact same thing, trying to close that gap up also. As soon as my bumper gets back from the body shop, i will be attempting this modification. ill keep ya posted as to what i find.

[71_bronze_gtx]

That would be great. The car is back into repair and restore mode for a while.

[dangina]

hey phatda - what suspension you running? can't tell from pic

sorry for the threadjack

[phatdak18]

dangina - Magnumforce XRT complete suspension package in the front and their 4-link kit in the rear.

Im new to this group officially, but have been a frequent visitor to this page for years. If anybody is interested in more info about my build, perhaps i should start a separate thread with more pix and details?

LATERZ

[dangina]

dangina - Magnumforce XRT complete suspension package in the front and their 4-link kit in the rear.

Im new to this group officially, but have been a frequent visitor to this page for years. If anybody is interested in more info about my build, perhaps i should start a separate thread with more pix and details?

LATERZ

unfortunately the one thing this site lacks is a build thread area

[sdweatherman]

Yep, just start your own thread and start posting progress pics to it. Whenever you have some new progress, just post it and the thread jumps back to the top. That way we know if there is something new to check out.
Scott.

[71Satellite98661]

I just installed the bumper on my 71 night before last. There is enough play to slide in and out and tilt up and down. I knew it would be a "challenge" going back and forth with the wife so I snugged the bracket to frame bolts in just enough the keep each adjustment in position while doing so solo. Initially I wanted a fairly tight gap on the top side but that left a huge gap between the lower valance and the bumper. I was able to adjust the valance up and in somewhat which made a big difference but in the end the final gaps were achieved by "splitting the difference".