(BODY) How to repair Sa front bumper molding attachment.
 

For those of you who do not know. The metal attachment strip that retains the Sa front bumper molding in place is prone to rust.

Because I was not able to get a used strip and did not want to pay the $100.00 plus for a new piece I fabricated my own.

Tools required.

Power drill. Hacksaw or sawzall. Hammer.
10mm socket. 6 inch extension. Ratchet, any drive size.

Materials required.
4 foot section of flat stock. (I used aluminum because it does not rust). 1/16" X 1.5"
6 qty. 1/4 x 3/4" elevator bolts with nuts. (flat head with square flange) See picture.
5/16" Drill bit.

1). Remove front bumper per FSM.
2). Turn bumper with backside up and remove 6 retaining nuts using 10mm socket and extension.
3). Pull old strip and molding off. Separate metal from rubber molding.
4). Cut flat stock to 37"
5). Attach rubber molding to flat stock. Put molding on top of bumper aligning so that the rubber is equally distanced on both sides of the bumper. From underneath bumper thru each of the 6 existing drilled holes mark with visable marker to drill holes in flat stock.
6). Remove rubber strip from flat stock
6A). With 5/16" drill bit drill the 6 holes.
7). Put 1/4" elevator bolts thru each hole of flat stock with flat side up. Position flat stock on top of bumper aligning each hole up. With hammer, tap on top of flat side of bolts to drive square flange of bolt into flat stock.
8). Insert rubber molding onto the completed metal strip. Insert into joining holes and fasten nuts and tighten.
9) Reassembly of front bumper per FSM.
Cost of materials including drill bit. $15.00 Thru any hardware store.

Nice write up Doc.
I think you forgot to mention removing the rubber strip, prior to drilling the holes in the flat stock. Don't want people drilling thru the rubber too.

Thanks Rogue, ammended as suggested.

i like it! my sa22 rear was screwed up, so i cheated and bought a new one, which came bent with a couple broken clips.

Doc - I just "resurrected" my inserts this past summer - nice work on your replacement!! This is a real problem for SA owners because they are ALL disintegrating underneath!! I would recommend that all serious long-term owners pull and protect (or replace) this insert on front AND back. I would also take a further step and metal-etch and POR15 these inserts prior to re-assembly so you don't end up doing the whole thing again in 5 yrs :)
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

excellent writeup!! i really like the thoroughness of your work and the simplicity of the project. i'll have to look over my 80 LS and find out if this needs replaced. thanks for the writeup!!

Thank you everyone for the compliments.

I used Aluminum instead of steel so the probblem of rust would not come back.

Great writeup doc.