Now that the car runs and has brakes I want to do a bit of cosmetic work. I noticed that my bumper looks like it is bent. I don't remember it being like this when I first looked at it, so it could have happened when I had it towed home. Regardless, it needs fixed. Is it as easy as removing the cover and bending something back, or will I need to buy some parts? I haven't ever removed a bumper from ANY car, so all of your input is really appreciated.

 

how did you tow the car?

 

I bet the weak bolts the hold the bumper on broke on the bottom. Mine where rusted up rather well and my car is generally not rusty. They all broke off when I tried to take them off. I could see if the bumper was slightly forced up all of them breaking.

 

I had it towed by tow truck from the rear wheels. Looked like the bar that lifts the car barely cleared.

Where would I look for these bolts? Are they the ones that you access from inside the car?

 

no they are the ones outside the car below the bumper

 

OK, I see two bolts on each side, the driver's side has the tow hook on it. Looks like the bumper strut mounts? They are intact as far as I can see.

 

Anyone else have any ideas?

 

bent hinges? let me look around.

 

That is the bumper shock in the pic. Through the bottom of the bumper itself, aft of the shocks, is a single bolt on each one, that's what holds the bumper on. Don't forget to disconnect the wires.

 

that screw, black dragon part # 79-527, its 50 cents a piece

 

Im talking about the bolts highlighted in blue, check them out down the whole bumper.

 

That's what I'm thinking is SOMETHING has to be bent, I just don't know what. I guess I'll just have to pull stuff apart until I find something to bend back. I just figured this was a common thing. I was sort of hoping it was just cosmetic, like I could adjust the cover somehow? Maybe pull the cover off and bend the actual bumper down a bit? I just don't want to break anything since I'm really not familiar with it.

 

I am looking in the BD book. you have a 79/80, right? it may even be the bumper reinforcement from what i am looking at in this picture.

 

Sorry I didn't say, but it is an '83. Thanks for the help, I'll just have to figure it out the old-fashioned way.

 

oh man, ignore all my BD part numbers! i thought you had a 79/80 like me! let me go check again

 

i got dibbs on a bent shock absorber. hopefully you can bend it back withough major damage... if not its gonna be kinda pricy

 

Remove the 2 main bolts holding the bumper on. The inspect the bumper shocks and the bracket on the bumper. I'll bet the bracket is tweaked.

 

Thanks guys, I'll let you know how it turns out. Probably next weekend at the earliest.