Backdate Front Bumper Fitment Issues

[lsf911]

I am in the process of backdating my 83 sc. The current issue is the fitment of the standard 69-73 metal front bumper. It hits the tub and other various items before being set in its properly aligned position. I have annotated the problem spots with red circles in the attached photos. Has anyone else had these issues? If so, what did you do to resolve them? Do I have to remove the crash bar that protects the front AC condenser cage to get this bumper to fit? What do I do about the fender oil cooler, has anyone else run into this? Do I need to cut some of the bumper inside edge off where it meets the front of the tub in order for it to fit? I thought from previous posts it was a bracket change and the bumper would fit without issue. Please correct me if I am wrong.

The bumper:


Contact points circled in next 2 photos:





Oh, one last thing. Has anyone cut out the rear license plate light rectangles out of 74-89 rear decklid? If so, what tool did you use to do it?

Thanks for any help/suggestions you can give me. I really appreciate it.

[lsf911]

Anyone?

[lsf911]

It seems this "backdate" experience is a big secret here. Not too many people want to share the information.

So, I will share what I have learned trying to install this 69-73 bumper on an 83 sc with AC.

Lots of conflicts with the install. I have a front fender oil cooler that was in the way. The corners were cut and mounting holes slotted which allowed for it to move up 1/2" so the bumper would clear it. Not too bad of a fix.
Next was a horn bracket that needed to be cut off. I had to remove the front crash bar, front condenser, and cage to get the bumper to fit properly. I want that stuff back on so I am thinking about how to do that now. Not sure I will be able to do it.
I also had to cut out the fog light mounts on the bumper (driver side was up against the AC hoses) along with the drivers side mounting tab (it was hitting the windshield washer bottle).

I made custom 2 part brackets that attach to the existing front bumper shock mount brackets on the tub. The first part mounts vertically on the tub brackets, the second part attaches to the bumper horizontally then slides onto the vertical bracket.

Below are photos of where I am at so far.

[lsf911]

Forgot this picture showing how the bottom of the bumper hugs the bottom of the tub not allowing much space for the front condenser, cage, and crash bar.

[Tremelune]

I see you're going for a reversible setup...I'm interested in doing the same to mine down the road.

Out of curiosity, why did you go with a steel front instead of the cheaper, lighter fiberglass? The only benefit I see is that it should just "bolt right up" instead of requiring fitment work.

[impactbumper]

Looking at the pic i do not know how you will mount the condenser. Probably it is Christmas weekend hence not much help here. Otherwise this has been done thousands times i am sure someone will chime in. I am interested in the answers too


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[lsf911]

Originally Posted by Tremelune

I see you're going for a reversible setup...I'm interested in doing the same to mine down the road.

Out of curiosity, why did you go with a steel front instead of the cheaper, lighter fiberglass? The only benefit I see is that it should just "bolt right up" instead of requiring fitment work.

Tremelune,

Yes, I am going for the reversible setup. Believe it or not, the steel front bumper only cost me an extra $200 vs. a good fiberglass bumper. I also feel the steel will give me a bit more protection on the road. I don't track the car, just drive it on sunny days. The weight issue doesn't bother me.

I also went with steel RS rear bumper corners as well. Those were much easier to install than the front.

[lsf911]

Originally Posted by Berk

Looking at the pic i do not know how you will mount the condenser. Probably it is Christmas weekend hence not much help here. Otherwise this has been done thousands times i am sure someone will chime in. I am interested in the answers too


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Berk,

Maybe you correct about the timing.

I agree, it does not look possible to mount the condenser back in there without cutting away at the bottom of the bumper which I am not sure I want to do.

[Iciclehead]

FWIW....

Fitting 6 speed G50 to '89 Carrera

Totally different problem as I wanted to fit the '84 and up front valence that Porsche gave to me, bumper was overly crunched etc etc....

Hope it helps

Dennis

[lsf911]

Dennis,

Thanks for posting. Definitely a different set of problems but still helpful.

I did manage to get things mounted last night. Still not complete but getting closer. What you did on the sides of your bumper to secure it is very similar to what I ended up doing.

I will be posting pictures soon.

Thanks again.

[lsf911]

I made some progress yesterday. I was able to bolt back on the front condenser, cage and crash bar by modifying the bumper with 2 small cutouts where it interfered with the mounting tabs. The cutouts are not visible unless you get way under the front to look.

There is still a problem with one of the hoses being in the way of the bumper when it is connected. I need to find a 45 degree fitting to move it slightly inward. If anyone has the fitting size for the front condenser and can share that with me, that would be great.

Some more pictures:

[tdw28210]

Lou,

Will be tackling similar work later this week. However, I am deleting the AC so not sure how similar my challenges will be. I'll circle back here if I learn anything I think may be helpful to you.

[lsf911]

tdw28210,

That would be great!

Thanks.