Pushing bumpers in

Keeping it sharp - paint, wax, detailing, etc.
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pluktv
Posts: 136
Joined: Tue Feb 21, 2012 2:38 pm
Your car is a: 1979 spider
Location: Halifax Nova Scotia

Pushing bumpers in

Post by pluktv »

Finally got around to doing this. Very pleased with the mod, being that it costs nothing and looks a lot better and neater - to me anyway. For anyone doing this, I used the front of my F150 (handbrake on) and basically ran the fiat into the truck one corner at a time. It's a little nerve racking, but once you hear the initial "crack" you can gently keep nudging them on each corner until you are done.
I tried hammers and jacks, but this was the only way I could get them to move. Don't forget to drill your holes first!

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focodave
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Your car is a: 1980 Spider 2000 F.I.
Location: Fort Collins, CO

Re: Pushing bumpers in

Post by focodave »

She looks really good.
Can you elaborate on exactly where on the shocks you drilled your holes?
1980 Spider 2000 F.I. (my hobby)
1970 MGB GT (my other hobby)
2008 Ford Expedition (daily driver)
2019 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard
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AriK
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Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider
Location: Montreal Canada

Re: Pushing bumpers in

Post by AriK »

Cool mod, but what prevents your bumpers from movement afterward?
pluktv
Posts: 136
Joined: Tue Feb 21, 2012 2:38 pm
Your car is a: 1979 spider
Location: Halifax Nova Scotia

Re: Pushing bumpers in

Post by pluktv »

Just a small hole in the bottom of the shock, about an inch or two from the front. It's pressurized so make sure you wear eye protection. I have just put a self tapper in to keep them in place.
I know, I know I have rendered these bumpers useless now but I'm going on the basis that it will be written off anyway If it hits anything above running pace. Style above function I'm afraid, as I really don't like the look of them originally and I don't like the bumperless look either.
My two cents ain't worth what it used to be
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4uall
Posts: 4145
Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2011 12:09 pm
Your car is a: 1980 Fiat Pininfarina Spider 2000 F.I.
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Re: Pushing bumpers in

Post by 4uall »

I thought about doing this myself for the same reasons however, I got caught up on cleaning the areas behind the bumpers that my man hands would not be able to reach etc :shock:

looks good 8)
Jay

Fiona
1980 FI 2000 Spider
ITZEBTZE

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AriK
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Location: Montreal Canada

Re: Pushing bumpers in

Post by AriK »

Good point, furthermore my bumper ends would have rubbing issues on the paint.
wetminkey
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Your car is a: 1979 2000 Spider
Location: Ault, Colorado

Re: Pushing bumpers in

Post by wetminkey »

Wow! I have ALWAYS wanted to be able to tuck the bumpers in, and never thought it was possible!!
I'll be doing this at some point, for sure! Looks just great.
Thanks for the great info, pluktv.
Todd.
1988 Mazda RX-7
1979 Fiat Spider 2000
1978 3/4 ton Chev 4x4 P/U "FRANKENTRUCK"
1976 Camaro
1972 VW Superbeetle
1969 Ford F100
1968 Mustang coupe
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81SPIDERMATT
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Joined: Mon Oct 11, 2010 5:10 pm
Your car is a: 1981 spider 2000
Location: FORT COLLINS, CO

Re: Pushing bumpers in

Post by 81SPIDERMATT »

wetminkey wrote:Wow! I have ALWAYS wanted to be able to tuck the bumpers in, and never thought it was possible!!
I'll be doing this at some point, for sure! Looks just great.
Thanks for the great info, pluktv.
Todd.
let me know I will give you a hand ... pushed mine in for a while before removing them .... simple and made a huge difference in the way they look
wetminkey
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Re: Pushing bumpers in

Post by wetminkey »

Geeze, I guess! And I will consult you before doing this. Guess I've got a real good excuse to have you and focodave out here for an afternoon!
Cool to have people with such a rare interest so close!
Thanks, man.
Todd.
1988 Mazda RX-7
1979 Fiat Spider 2000
1978 3/4 ton Chev 4x4 P/U "FRANKENTRUCK"
1976 Camaro
1972 VW Superbeetle
1969 Ford F100
1968 Mustang coupe
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81SPIDERMATT
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Your car is a: 1981 spider 2000
Location: FORT COLLINS, CO

Re: Pushing bumpers in

Post by 81SPIDERMATT »

drill... telephone pole ... heavy boots for kicking... few screws ... done
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focodave
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Re: Pushing bumpers in

Post by focodave »

81SPIDERMATT wrote:drill... telephone pole ... heavy boots for kicking... few screws ... done
Matt,
You forgot "beer".
Or was that assumed?
1980 Spider 2000 F.I. (my hobby)
1970 MGB GT (my other hobby)
2008 Ford Expedition (daily driver)
2019 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard
2019 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Sportster
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ga.spyder
Posts: 3478
Joined: Tue Nov 06, 2007 7:19 pm
Your car is a: 1982 Spider 2000
Location: Blairsville ,Ga.

Re: Pushing bumpers in

Post by ga.spyder »

I pushed mine in 6 years ago.I think I was the first to try it and document it.I learned the 'eye protection' lesson the hard way! :shock: Like drilling into a shook up Pepsi can.I then backed into the corner of my garage to get them pushed in :lol: It was a comedy,but I really like the end result.I pinned mine with self tappers also.No negatives in 6= years.
Jay,my hands are like catchers mitts,and I can get in there and clean pretty easily.
Craig Nelson

1982 Spider 2000...pride and joy
1981 Fiat X1/9..gone but not forgotten
1976 124 Spider..the self-healer
2001 BMW 328ci daily driver and track car
Fling It Around Turns !
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toplessexpat
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Joined: Fri Aug 31, 2012 2:29 am
Your car is a: 1976 Spider 1800
Location: Houston, TX

Re: Pushing bumpers in

Post by toplessexpat »

Tuck them in..... Realize you like the smoother look.... Try bumperless... Realize that you've just saved the same weight as a passenger and don't go back... :)
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Many classic Fiats - it's a disease!
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wizard124
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Your car is a: 1980 124 spider FI
Location: Sheridan, WY exSan Rafael, CA

Re: Pushing bumpers in

Post by wizard124 »

focodave wrote:She looks really good.
Can you elaborate on exactly where on the shocks you drilled your holes?
Image
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ga.spyder
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Joined: Tue Nov 06, 2007 7:19 pm
Your car is a: 1982 Spider 2000
Location: Blairsville ,Ga.

Re: Pushing bumpers in

Post by ga.spyder »

The best 30 minute,no cost mod you can do for your late model Spider.Everyone has their preferences,but I like the pushed in bumpers better than the no bumper look.
Craig Nelson

1982 Spider 2000...pride and joy
1981 Fiat X1/9..gone but not forgotten
1976 124 Spider..the self-healer
2001 BMW 328ci daily driver and track car
Fling It Around Turns !
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