Rubber trim removal from early bumper

[carsngolf]

I would like to get the rubber out of the aluminum trim on an early front bumper in order to replace the silly carriage bolts which spin uselessly when trying to remove a rusty nut. The rubber slides in the channel but there is no way it can slide out as the ends of the aluminum are closed. The only way I can see is to pry it out but then getting it back in would appear to be a real bear. Any ideas?

[carsngolf]

No responses so I did some experimentation. A heat gun makes it quite pliable but don't use a high setting. I think the best way to reinstall will be heating it in hot water and pinching it back in place with a flat screwdriver. I will machine/weld my own through bolts with headless screw stock welded to flat stock.

[joetiii]

I've never tried to remove the rubber strip but I'm sure the guys over at the early 911S site have done this before.

[Joeaksa]

Might be time for new trim. Install using Dow DC-4 lube or soapy water.

[Gearbox]

The rubber has a lip that tucks under the bright work. the only way to remove is to literally peel it off. Needless to say, WD40 or other lubricant helps. Just pry up an edge and start stripping off. Once it gets going, it comes off quite easily. Installation is a bit harder. I use a plastic wedge, get one side seated and then squeeze in the other side and move down the trim. Very hard on the thumbs as you hold the rubber down and push in with the wedge. Also, I have heard that some reproduction rubber or the new OEM may have fit problems, so be careful if the rubber can be saved. A screw driver may put little divots in the rubber, don't ask me how I know, Good luck Allan

[Evans, Marv]

Gearbox is right. His way should work. On my '67, I just sprayed it with silicone alont the edges & pulled/peeled it out. When I replaced it, I just started in the center of the aluminum strip, pocked the trim in with the help of a screwdriver & pushed it in with my fingers - first one way & then the other.

[carsngolf]

Many thanks fellas. I have pulled all the rubber out with the aid of a heat gun (kind of cool these days in N. IL) and after creating some studs to replace the carriage bolts (is there an automotive engineer on the face of the earth who ever gives a thought to the poor schmuck who has to disassemble something after a few years of exposure? A full year of restoring old cars ought to be mandatory before handing out diplomas.), I'll set to work polishing out the aluminum and then see what I can do with the rubber insert and bumper guard inserts. Any ideas on restoring the dull and cracked surfaces?