1st Time 1980 SC Bumper Removal - Questions

[heimtun]

First question: Which end of the bellows is recommended for removal - bumper end or body end? I see four sheet metal screws I think will release the bellows from the body end - I cannot see where the screw/nuts/bolts are for the bumper end. Your input and/or photos are appreciated.

Second question: I've loosened the four nuts that hold the bumper onto the car/bumper shock (I have not removed them as yet) but the bumper does not move at all. I know I have to get the bellows off before I can remove the bumper - but I did expect that loosening the nuts would at least allow the bumper to move a bit. What am I missing?

TIA

Wayne

[Bob Kontak]

Diagram shows the 4 bolts as primary.

The bellows are a long long way from flexible forward and back. There are also rubber pads that get squished between the shock mounting flange and the bumper. They form to the holes and flange faces and may not let any movement occur until you get relief rearwards.

That said there may be some bolts I am not sure of but I do not recall any.

Bellows nuts are a PITA. I have no real secret.

[cmonref]

There are two bolts at the joint of the bumper and the bellows. (NOT the bolts at the top and bottom of the bellows that fasten to the fender and valence.) These two bolts (each side) need to be removed before the bumper can be removed.

It MIGHT be easier to remove the 4 bolts each side that fasten the bellows to the fender above and valence below. This leaves the bellows attached to the bumper -- just remove the bellows after the bumper is removed.

[heimtun]

Thanks Bob - I'm guessing it the squished rubber pads that are problem.

My bellow are still a little flexible - still not sure when end to disconnect.

[heimtun]

Thanks cmonref - I can see the 4 fasteners (they look like sheet metal screws to me) on each side that attach bellows to fender above and valence below. I just can't see the two bolts on each side to attach the bellow from the bumper. Maybe they're covered with dirt - just not sure where to look.

[heimtun]

Is there any downside to leaving the bellows attached to the bumper? I am R&Ring the bumper to replace the bumper shock with a Rennline Screw in Tow Hook Receiver.

[javadog]

Two nuts are used on either end of the bellows to attach the bellows to the bumper and to attach it to the little metal filler panel behind the bellows. These can be removed with an 8mm socket. No screws attach the bellows to the fender or valance. There are four sheet metal screws that attach the painted metal filler panel to the fender and to the valance, two on the top and two on the bottom.

The nuts that attach the bellows to the painted metal filler panels are easier to reach than the ones that attach the bellows to the bumper.

Keep in mind that the bellows have a lip on the top and the bottom that fit behind the lower edge of the fender and the upper edge of the valance. These lips make it a little hard to pull the bellows outward far enough to get the embedded studs out of either the bumper or the filler panel.

It's a bit of a pain in the ass. Another option is to remove the valance first (four screws, plus the four into the filler panels) then remove the bumper with the bellows and filler panels attached.

JR

[heimtun]

Thanks javadog! it does sound like removing the valance first maybe the way to go. I've got to go out to the car and try to located the four screw that you mention.

[javadog]

There are two valance screws under the car (near the corners) and two inside the trunk, on the front wall.

JR

[heimtun]

Oh! In the trunk - thanks!! I was wondering how to get to the ones in the middle.

[euro911sc]

Removing bellows: you remove it on the side where you can actually remove the nuts without stripping, breaking, or otherwise damaging the studs in the bellows. IE: they are usually so corroded or frozen that it is a good chance that you can damage the studs in the bellows. So use a lot of liquid wrench and be gentle. If it doesn't want to turn re-apply liquid wrench and move on to another one and hope that you can get two off on the same side so you can remove the assembly from the car.

Luckily, however, enough of us have moved to all FG bumpers that bellows in decent condition are available for not too much money. So if you damage one beyond re-use you can replace it.

While you have the bumper off inspect the smile for warping and rust.

Good Luck!

[wrxnofx]

I JUST did this and I had the exact same problem.

Check out my thread:
Help! Can't Get Front Bumper Off

In short, if you remove the bellows you can pull on the side of the bumper on both sides. Wiggling it was finally enough to get it to slide off (I also used a pry bar just a little bit, too).

[Matthew Barnes]

A word of warning, after you have removed the nuts that fasten the rear of the bellows to the side pieces, wrap some tape around the embedded bolts so as not to scratch the paint on the side pieces when doing your 'wiggling'.
I learned the hard way.

[heimtun]

Got the bumper off, mostly. I used a very small crow bar - I put it the space between the directional light and the bracket - I could just wiggle each side enough to ease it out. I saw the scratch potential Mathew and added tape to the screws, thanks. I'm still trying to release one of the connector joints on the headlight washer hoses.
I was lucky, there was minimal if no rust on the nuts - especially after soaking everything with WD-40 - after working on old cars for more years that I'd like to admit, WD-40 and/b'laster are the first things I reach for on most dissasembly projects. The only casually are a few of the plastic pieces that hold the plastic and rubber strip onto the bumper.
I think the bigger challenge will be getting the bumper back on - or at least starting up some of the nuts on the bellows. Big hands vs small nuts. ;-)
Folks mention the "smile" - what exactly is the smile.

[rs6er]

The smile is the black flat vinyl piece that sits on the top of the bumper.

[heimtun]

Thanks John. Dumb question - can someone comment on this -> "While you have the bumper off inspect the smile for warping and rust" Rust? What am I missing or do I just need more coffee?

[javadog]

There is a metal reinforcing strip inside the "smile" that tends to rust. You can usually see bumps in the upper surfce of the rubber when it gets bad. Removal is easy with the bumper off, so it's a good time to take a close look at it.

JR

[heimtun]

Thank JR - that makes sense.

[wrxnofx]

Originally Posted by heimtun

I think the bigger challenge will be getting the bumper back on - or at least starting up some of the nuts on the bellows. Big hands vs small nuts. ;-)

Nah - just re-attach the front bellows to the back of the bumper before you put it back on the car. Then you're only dealing with the easier, more accessible ones when attaching the metal trim piece to the bellows. As long as you have the front wheels off, those are totally accessible with a 1/4" drive ratchet and 8mm socket.