bumper pad removal and hole filling on 89?

89911 · 01-26-2004, 09:59 AM

I have an extra bumper, rockers,and valance from my brothers 87 coupe. He recently went with a fiberglass rear bumper. Since I can do anything I want with the old one and I still have my original bumper, I am contemplating removing all the visible rubber and giving the car a smooth look. I am also redoing the right rocker to match the left for the new 4 outlet exhaust (Borla) that I found. Since the rubber trim hid the area that the bumper shocks attached, is there any way to keep this area smooth and still use the shock, since the hold the bumper on? Plan B would be to retain the 2 edge trim pieces and use these to hide the mounting area. I was contemplating just ordering a new fiberglass bumper myself, but since I have this one and its free, why not get creative and save some bucks. Besides, I know it will fit!

anh911 · 11:43 AM

There's been a few threads on this in the past weeks. Do a search and you'll find plenty of advice and pics. I don't think there was any concensus on how to best deal with the shock studs. I suggested that you could use carriage bolts in place of the studs and then mount the bumper and shocks as a unit but I haven't tried it yet.

KTL · 01-26-2004, 12:49 PM

Try this one?

bumper pads...remove them?

89911 · 01-26-2004, 02:54 PM

I've scanned through the prior threads but did not find any answers. I'll rephrase my question: Is there any way to remove all the rubber off the rear bumper and somehow hide the bumper shock bolts? I really do prefer the rubberless look.

jtratza · 01-26-2004, 03:32 PM

Anyone try to cut down the European bumper pads to about a couple of inches thick? I don't mind the rubber trim just the bumper seat on the bumper. I was looking at a 930 with the European bumperettes today and wondered if they could be cut down to include the license plate light but only stick out about two inches from the bumper instead of the six or so they stick out now. Any ideas would be appreciated.

89911 · 01-26-2004, 03:37 PM

I can't think of anyway you could alter the pads and make them look like anything but "cut down". In my opinion, I actually think the Euro pads look odd too. Kind of like projectiles out the back. Besides, removing the pads and adding the license plate lights is easy.

01-26-2004, 03:49 PM

Mike,
Take the bumper and shock bolts to your local welder. Run the bolts through the bumper and have the welder run a bead on the inside of the bumper at the base of the bolt, effectively making them permanent studs. Grind or cut the head off the bolt on the outside. Have the welder fill in all the other holes. Grind, fill, prime, and paint.
And floss after meals!!

Glasgow 911SC · Glasgow 911SC's Garage

but won't the bolts be steel (for strength) and the bumper aluminium? What about some sort of painted moulding that covers the bolt area

89911 · 01-26-2004, 05:58 PM

I took a couple of pictures of the bumper. One side with the rubber guard that hides the bolts. The other with the holes. One more with the holes filled in. Since the only way this bumper is held on in by the shocks, I can't just do away with them. I don't want to get into too much fabrication and welding. Remember, this is all free. If is start spending too much money on it, I might as well get a fiberglass one. Thanks for the help so far. I need to ship this to the shop soon to have it painted.