The AIM for the front bumper shows the part number and drawing for the horseshoe type shims used to align the front bumper, however the judging manual states the shims are round. I took the picture from the judging manual and had it enlarged. As you can see, the arrow is pointing to the corner of the outer shim which is against the bumper pad and you can see the flat side of the rear shim against the body behind it. I believe the factory did indeed use the horseshoe type shims to adjust the front bumper, if you think about it they would have to remove the bolt every time they inserted or removed a shim. Not very efficient. Remember this picture is from the NCRS judging manual stating round shims.
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Re: 1969 Front Bumper Shims
Joe, i have a 72 and it has the horse style shims for the front bumper brace. I sure it must be a misprint??New England chapter member, 63 Convert. 327/340- Chapter/Regional/national Top Flight, 72 coupe- chapter and regional Top Flight. -
Re: 1969 Front Bumper Shims
The 68-69 TIM&JG reads:
The front bumper may have round shims between the outer bracket and body fiberglass. (See Fig. E 4.2) Some cars have body color overspray on the shims and bumper from a factory paint repair process. The fiberglass is often cracked from overtightening the bumper, especially at the front corners, which is a condition issue.
The key word in that paragraph is "may". Does not say all, every, only. Did GM use a horse-shoe type shim, probably did. My experience, I see lots of cars with round shims. Figure E4.2, is an original paint car, bumper never been off, sitting in my garage. It is a round shim. Nope, not gonna take it out to prove my point. My 70 Marlboro Maroon car is also round. Come for a visit and I'll show you another 10-cars that are round.
If you use the horseshoe type, use the small ones. The standard fender shims are too large and over-hang the fiberglass. It should be smaller than the bumper mounting surface, not larger.
Gary BComment
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Re: 1969 Front Bumper Shims
Just a few pictures that are probably better than the one posted. The blue car actually has two shims in place, the yellow car only one. Note how the fiberglass is broken on both cars.
If anybody has a similar type picture of a square, slotted shim, send it to me, I'll add it to the manual next revisions.
Gary B
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