Installing Front & Rear Bumpers

[n/a]

Anyone know the easiest way to install the bumpers. On the front bumper, should it me assembled first before attachment to the bumper brackets on the body? Should the brackets be installed on the body first then attach the bumpers or attach the bumpers to the brackets & then install on the body?

[rwmastel]

I've had mine off before.  I'm not sure what brackets you're talking about.  From memory, there are brackets on the inside surface of the bumpers.  These are connected (welded?) to the bumper.  These bolt onto the body of the car.  I don't know what brakets would be seperate.

For the back, just bolt them on.  Put them on loosely, I believe there is some "wiggle room" to adjust them for level.

For the front, just bolt one side on then the other.  Again, do it loosely so you can adjust them and get them to meet properly.  Then put on the center cap.

Just dive in, it will make sense as you do it.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Douglas]

There's an oval-shaped bracket at each corner. While everything is off, you should paint them a satin black.

I agree with Rodd about fit. You'll want to make them hug the body uniformly on all four corners.

When I removed my bumpers last summer, I kept the front bumper assembled when I took it off and simply re-installed it in one piece. I put the brackets onto the body first, then re-attached the bumper, as I recall.

For the rears, I think I attached them to the bracket first, then made sure they were snug to the body. I think the bracket-to-body fit is what gives it horizontal play.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by Douglas

....I think I attached them to the bracket first, then made sure they were snug to the body....

Wouldn't be the first time my memory had faded over time!  I was thinking there aren't seperate brackets, but I won't disagree when I'm out numbered.   :?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420