59 rear bumperette installation?

[Carl L.]

Hi, Has anyone tried to install the rear bumperettes without removing the bumpers? I'm afraid I won't be able to get the bumpers back into position and without scratching the paint. The top bolt that attaches the bumperette to the bumper should have been able to gain access through the license plate light hole, but seems to be blocked. Any suggestions please?

[Richard M.]

Re: 59 rear bumperette installation?

Carl, it cannot be done with bumpers installed.

Best with a helper to remove and reinstall. Get some wide blue painters tape and put it above and below the side bumper areas of the body and behind the edges along the entire horizontals.

When you remove the bumpers note there may be shims in some bolt locations. You'll have to remove the spare and rear trunk filler to access bumper to frame support bracket bolts.

You'll also have to install the bumperette to frame bar supports to the bumperette assembly prior to reinstallation. Check and clean the threadnuts in the frame crossmember and test fit the bolts. You may need to bend those supports if repros, and/or add shims at the crossmember for proper alignment.

Plan a long time for the task, it can be a tedious adventure.

Rich

[Carl L.]

Re: 59 rear bumperette installation?

Carl, it cannot be done with bumpers installed.

Best with a helper to remove and reinstall. Get some wide blue painters tape and put it above and below the side bumper areas of the body and behind the edges along the entire horizontals.

When you remove the bumpers note there may be shims in some bolt locations. You'll have to remove the spare and rear trunk filler to access bumper to frame support bracket bolts.

You'll also have to install the bumperette to frame bar supports to the bumperette assembly prior to reinstallation. Check and clean the threadnuts in the frame crossmember and test fit the bolts. You may need to bend those supports if repros, and/or add shims at the crossmember for proper alignment.

Plan a long time for the task, it can be a tedious adventure.

Rich

Hi Rich, Getting the bumper to fit the way it is now is what concerns me. I thank you for your help and advice.

[Steven B.]

Re: 59 rear bumperette installation?

Used the method Rich noted reinstalling a friend's 60 bumpers after rechrome. In addition to Rich's method before removing the bumper we marked the fit along the full length of tape with a marker. Did the same with the front. And believe Rich you will need two people.

[Thomas H.]

Re: 59 rear bumperette installation?

Along with Rich's as usual spot on advice, I would photo document everything as you go. Take pics from different angles as well.

Since you've not done this before I would suggest you don't skimp on the painters tape to protect the paint.

For a first timer, a helper is a must. It is not a difficult job you just need to work methodically. Do one side at at time so you have one side to use for reference.

Tom