I was backing up yesterday and my foot slipped off the brake resulting in me backing into a large tree. The bumper on the passenger side took the hit, and the bumper "collision device" collapsed inward by about 4-5". Now it remains collapsed. I always thought they were spring loaded, and would reset by them selves. How do I get this to return to it's original position?
thanks
Dave
Bug bumper issues
- Marc
- Moderator
- Posts: 23741
- Joined: Thu May 23, 2002 12:01 am
Re: Bug bumper issues
They're intended to be one-use-only sacrificial items, but it is possible to pull them back out. Not recommended for safety concerns, but possible.
1974 rears are one-year-only; `75-`79 all interchange. they're side-specific, but Super and Standard are the same.
1974 rears are one-year-only; `75-`79 all interchange. they're side-specific, but Super and Standard are the same.
-
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Thu Jul 17, 2014 6:24 am
Re: Bug bumper issues
Marc wrote:They're intended to be one-use-only sacrificial items, but it is possible to pull them back out. Not recommended for safety concerns, but possible.
1974 rears are one-year-only; `75-`79 all interchange. they're side-specific, but Super and Standard are the same.
Thanks for the info! ..... Think that I will try the pull it out trick
- Marc
- Moderator
- Posts: 23741
- Joined: Thu May 23, 2002 12:01 am
Re: Bug bumper issues
If overdone, it can pull apart - and theoretically with a good deal of force - so don't be standing inline with it. It's only a couple of bolts to remove the facebar first so you can access the shock directly.
One technique I've seen used is to chain it to a tree or post, pull forward enough to take out the slack, then set a wheel chock a few inches ahead of the rear wheel on that side before tugging again to limit the travel. Keep in mind that it's only bolted to the sheetmetal, so make it a straight pull to avoid tweaking the body.
One technique I've seen used is to chain it to a tree or post, pull forward enough to take out the slack, then set a wheel chock a few inches ahead of the rear wheel on that side before tugging again to limit the travel. Keep in mind that it's only bolted to the sheetmetal, so make it a straight pull to avoid tweaking the body.
-
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Thu Jul 17, 2014 6:24 am
Re: Bug bumper issues
That is kind of what I had in mind ..... tie it to a tree andMarc wrote:If overdone, it can pull apart - and theoretically with a good deal of force - so don't be standing inline with it. It's only a couple of bolts to remove the facebar first so you can access the shock directly.
One technique I've seen used is to chain it to a tree or post, pull forward enough to take out the slack, then set a wheel chock a few inches ahead of the rear wheel on that side before tugging again to limit the travel. Keep in mind that it's only bolted to the sheetmetal, so make it a straight pull to avoid tweaking the body.
slowly push it forward ..... worse comes to worse, I buy a
new one!
-
- Posts: 7404
- Joined: Sat Mar 10, 2001 12:01 am
Re: Bug bumper issues
The late model bumpers aren't worth much in a scrap yard. You could find good used ones.
Aircooled.net sells the new crash strut mounts too.
Aircooled.net sells the new crash strut mounts too.
Steve
My Baja Build
My Baja Build
-
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Thu Jul 17, 2014 6:24 am
Re: Bug bumper issues
The bumper is still good, good enough anyhow! HopefullySteve Arndt wrote:The late model bumpers aren't worth much in a scrap yard. You could find good used ones.
Air cooled.net sells the new crash strut mounts too.
the crash strut pulls out to original size ..... I will keep the
group posted!
Thanks to all!
Dave
-
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Thu Jul 17, 2014 6:24 am
Re: Bug bumper issues
It worked really good to chain the "bumper impact bracket" to a tree and rock the car by hand to pull it out! It popped right out and seems to be intact!buggs49 wrote:That is kind of what I had in mind ..... tie it to a tree andMarc wrote:If overdone, it can pull apart - and theoretically with a good deal of force - so don't be standing inline with it. It's only a couple of bolts to remove the facebar first so you can access the shock directly.
One technique I've seen used is to chain it to a tree or post, pull forward enough to take out the slack, then set a wheel chock a few inches ahead of the rear wheel on that side before tugging again to limit the travel. Keep in mind that it's only bolted to the sheetmetal, so make it a straight pull to avoid tweaking the body.
slowly push it forward ..... worse comes to worse, I buy a
new one!
-
- Posts: 17758
- Joined: Mon Nov 13, 2006 10:17 pm
Re: Bug bumper issues
Just remember, one time use things are not always as strong after straightening as the first time so keep your foot on the pedal and wear non-skid soles.