Retro bumper conversion

[architect]

Hello!

I’m on the fence and looking for a few extra photos of retrofitting the early bumpers on a 78.

Does anyone have pictures of the bumper holes (in the body where the shock would stick out) and alignment of the retro fit bumpers,

Bigger question - when new bumpers installed, am I needing additional body work to cover up the square holes next to the front lower grill? What about the back?

Any recent experience installing bumpers from the vendors? I have heard story’s of the brackets needed heavy modification, brackets breaking from weak tack welds, sitting too high on the front grill, etc.

Just a bunch of money.. Vick’s the same as AR? Mr. Fiat? Tynda (EBay)

[architect]

Photos for reference. Will the bumpers “hide” the holes shown in yellow?

[azruss]

sounds like you have researched some of my earlier posts on SS bumpers. On the back, I installed custom corner rockers, so didn't have to deal with the round holes. On the front, I had to modify the holes to get the bumper to sit low enough on the body. I understand that Allison has a bumper kit for the import SS bumpers that actually fit.....or so they claim. I modified my original and it took me 8 hrs a corner. Maybe someone with the Allison kit will comment. Just as much as this issue was what to do with the front turn signals. There are several solutions that have been posted. Many have used that bottom hole to mount the turn signal.

[architect]

https://www.spider-point.com/fiat-spide ... odels.html

Here’s a great write up and pics! Wow.. so where do I get this exact kit in US???

[johndemar]

I'm not able to open your link, but you can always order directly from Spider-point.

I bought progressive springs from them before they were available in the states. You may want to call Mark first.

[architect]

Picked up the kit personally from Vick’s today.

Highlights
- 995 includes brackets. (Extra rear brackets too for different years
- welds are very heavy, not like others, which looked like spot welds.
- chrome is very very clean
- weights a ton, but I like that. Heavy gauge.

Will attemp install Friday with pics and write up. Stay tuned.

[TheBender]

Looking forward to your write up and pictures.

[MattVAS]

I'm looking forward to this too.

Also, how dare you arrive early!!! After all this time working with you and you go and show up before hours so I'm not even here...........

I guess there is nothing left for me other than to just retire early and spend my days crying and remember what once was.

Naaaa I'll stick it out. Hope the install goes as smoothly as possible. Most customers report back that the install goes fairly well so long as they're allowed to cuss a bit.

[architect]

I'm looking forward to this too.

Also, how dare you arrive early!!! After all this time working with you and you go and show up before hours so I'm not even here...........

I guess there is nothing left for me other than to just retire early and spend my days crying and remember what once was.

Naaaa I'll stick it out. Hope the install goes as smoothly as possible. Most customers report back that the install goes fairly well so long as they're allowed to cuss a bit.

Lol sorry dude! I had an early meeting to catch and notice your shop was already open!

Just removed the front bumper brackets and did a dry fit of the replacement bracket. Very nice fit! Fits the complex curves really well.

I will be finished and upload pics tomorrow morning!

Cheers, looks promising so far!

[architect]

Update:

Front bumper on. Overall the front was a walk in the park. Piece of cake.

Tools:
- 13 mm socket and wrench
- 17 mm socket
- drill
- cold beer. Quantity depends on how fast you drink or how slow you work.

Disclaimer: I have ordered parts from literally every vendor. I don’t work for Vick or was discounted for this review. Just wanted to share my findings.

- remove (3) 17mm bolts on each side of the existing bracket
- wipe down surface. I had a nice bees nest in there
- optional replace bolts. See pic below.
- install new brackets. Leave bolts loose.
- mount bumper to bracket. Have the nuts and washer ready. You can do this one handed. Again, leave loose for side adjustments
- put a price of tape between side brackets and body. Mark with sharpie hole location. I was really impressed that the bracket were perfect angle to the body contour. Hats off!
- remove bumper
- drill holes. Remove tape
- reinstall bumper. Start wrench tighting with the sides, work your way toward the center of bumper.

Note: I didn’t install light brackets. My headlights have turn signals built in. Also - some may realize my grill is wacky. Please ignore - replacing with custom bullet (black) grill next week. I’ll share a write up for that.

Okay break over. Back to the garage.

[architect]

Update 2

Rear was just as easy!

I made one mistake.

1) I used the wrong brackets. This kit came with 2 set. The correct set (78) has a relief cut in the bracket and a steep pitch. The pitch aligns with the angle of the body. No big deal. Just swapped out.

Other than that.. walk in the park. Again, very impressed by the angle of the brackets and alignement of the body.

Here it goes:

- slide bracket into existing hole with rubber body grommet
- use the existing hole in trunk to route the bolt. The brackets are threaded so it’s pretty straight forward.
-drill second hole (use bracket as template)
- loose fit bumpers
- masking tape for side holes
- drill and bolt
- drink more beer.

Now please note. I did not drill the second hole on the drivers side bracket. Why? Not pulling the gas tank again. Nope. The other 2 mounting points make the bumper ridged enough. Let’s face it, there are for show.. not protection.

I rate 5 of 5 stars! Very happy with the results. Something about new chrome gets me excited!

Again. Fit was beyond my expectation. Now time to get a paint job!

[chrisg]

That looks quite nice!

[TheBender]

Nice work, glad everything went smoothly and to plan.

[Eastportspider]

architect: This is a great thread--really appreciate the detail on your install experience and the photos. I'm considering the conversion--a year+ later, are you still happy with the change?
Also, you mentioned you converted your headlights to incorporate the turn signals--was that a major challenge to connect? Any "gremlins" emerge with the change?
Thanks,
Steve

[canadiancastro]

Very curious about these headlights? Is there a post somewhere about them?