C3 Bumperette Dripping Rusty Water

[Jack O.]

This is my second '69 with this problem. The front bumperettes collect water (after washing the car for example). The inside of the bumperette starts to rust so when the water slowly seeps out it leaves a rust stained drip mark on the paint and air dam. I noticed the assembly manual shows a SPL Washer (special washer I presume) between the bumperette and body at the lower bolt. Does anyone know what this SPL Washer is, if for example it acts as a spacer that then would allow the water to drip out without running down the body and air dam. Mine where bolted in so tight they've dug into the fiberglass.
Thanks.

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Bumperette Dripping Rusty Water

Jack-----

My recollection of the special washer is that it's a thick washer with a "serrated" surface on one side. In any event, I don't think that this washer has anything to do with your problem, at all. If I were you, I would remove the bumperettes and clean the rear of them. There is a hole in one of the lower, rear "bracket" areas which serves as a drain. Yours may be partially plugged, causing the water retention and slow drain-out. After you completely clean them, I'd do my best to de-rust the rear of the bumperettes and then seal them with a zinc-rich paint or "cold galvanizing" compound.

[Kurt B.]

Re: C3 Bumperette Dripping Rusty Water

Joe is correct as usual as I just reassembled mine. There is a hole on the bottom of each bumperette on the backside and yours are plugged with crud. Clean them and paint them as suggested and your problem will go away. I painted the entire backside/inside of my front and rear bumpers and bumperettes with rust preventative paint. You can't see it unless you crawl underneath but it will help to slow down any rust.
Kurt # 26406