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  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-

Tips for narrowing Front Bumper

  • Thread starter Thread starter 68GT500KR_Vert
  • Start date Start date Mar 26, 2018

68GT500KR_Vert

5 Year Member
Aug 21, 2006
353
60
59
Virginia Beach, VA
Mar 26, 2018
#1
  • Mar 26, 2018
  • #1
I bought what were supposed to be the best 68 bumpers on the market. They are about an inch too wide on both sides to attach to the side bumper brackets. I plan on cutting an inch off each side and welding them back together.

I haven't done this before, my body guys says he has, but I want to make sure I know its done right.

Does anyone have a link to a good video or web page or can give me some tips.
 

horse sence

15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
12,178
7,997
233
Wile Coyote's stunt double
Mar 26, 2018
#2
  • Mar 26, 2018
  • #2
I believe the bumper is spread out to far ,with the help of my brother we centered our last bumper on a wood post and gently pulled in towards eack other ,it bent very easily and doesnt take much to pull it in
 
Reactions: tos

68GT500KR_Vert

5 Year Member
Aug 21, 2006
353
60
59
Virginia Beach, VA
Mar 27, 2018
#3
  • Mar 27, 2018
  • #3
horse sence said:
I believe the bumper is spread out to far ,with the help of my brother we centered our last bumper on a wood post and gently pulled in towards eack other ,it bent very easily and doesnt take much to pull it in
Click to expand...

Thanks
 

tos

Founding Member
Apr 27, 2001
896
68
59
Cincinnati Ohio
Mar 27, 2018
#4
  • Mar 27, 2018
  • #4
Yeah as with many repro parts, these bumpers are stamped out and need tweeking when you get them. My rear bumper was twisted like a twizler but a little handworking it now fits better than the original did.
 

68GT500KR_Vert

5 Year Member
Aug 21, 2006
353
60
59
Virginia Beach, VA
Mar 31, 2018
#5
  • Mar 31, 2018
  • #5
 

68GT500KR_Vert

5 Year Member
Aug 21, 2006
353
60
59
Virginia Beach, VA
Mar 31, 2018
#6
  • Mar 31, 2018
  • #6
I don't think they can be tweaked. It's way off. Also noticed a bend by the middle.
 

68GT500KR_Vert

5 Year Member
Aug 21, 2006
353
60
59
Virginia Beach, VA
Mar 31, 2018
#7
  • Mar 31, 2018
  • #7
Horse, should I try ordering a different one?
 

68GT500KR_Vert

5 Year Member
Aug 21, 2006
353
60
59
Virginia Beach, VA
Mar 31, 2018
#8
  • Mar 31, 2018
  • #8
Based on the angles, it looks like a should take between a 1 and 1.5 inches out of each side to the outside of the inner bumper bolts. Then all the angles in the nose would match.
 

horse sence

15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
12,178
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Wile Coyote's stunt double
Mar 31, 2018
#9
  • Mar 31, 2018
  • #9
That bumper is way off
 

68GT500KR_Vert

5 Year Member
Aug 21, 2006
353
60
59
Virginia Beach, VA
Mar 31, 2018
#10
  • Mar 31, 2018
  • #10
horse sence said:
That bumper is way off
Click to expand...
Yeah, that's what I've been saying.

Should I cut it up and rechrome or just order a new one? Any suggestion on where to buy?

I was also thinking about just buying front and back fiberglass. Easier to mod and just paint.
 

tos

Founding Member
Apr 27, 2001
896
68
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Cincinnati Ohio
Apr 1, 2018
#11
  • Apr 1, 2018
  • #11
If you have the ability to cut it and custom fit it then i would go for it. Otherwise send it back and try a different manufacturer.
 

68GT500KR_Vert

5 Year Member
Aug 21, 2006
353
60
59
Virginia Beach, VA
Apr 3, 2018
#12
  • Apr 3, 2018
  • #12
Can one of you tell me how wide the front bumper should be? I want to measure mine at the tips and compare.
 

horse sence

15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
12,178
7,997
233
Wile Coyote's stunt double
Apr 3, 2018
#13
  • Apr 3, 2018
  • #13
I dont have an origional here or i would get you a measurement ,i think they should be around 3/4 inch at the sides though because they were close enough that it was hard to get the carage bolt unless the bracket was bolted to the bumper first
 

68GT500KR_Vert

5 Year Member
Aug 21, 2006
353
60
59
Virginia Beach, VA
Apr 3, 2018
#14
  • Apr 3, 2018
  • #14
I did a bunch of research. From what I read, the original bumpers are 65.25" from inside to inside of returns, most of the repos are 66 to 66.5". I think it makes most sense to buy a new one. This one is a noridian I should about 11 years ago, it's about 2" too wide if I want it snug (.25") from the fender.

Any suggestions on where to buy? I hear NPD has the best.
 

68GT500KR_Vert

5 Year Member
Aug 21, 2006
353
60
59
Virginia Beach, VA
Apr 3, 2018
#15
  • Apr 3, 2018
  • #15
I just measured it, it's 66 3/4 wide. So an 1.5" wider than stock.
 

68GT500KR_Vert

5 Year Member
Aug 21, 2006
353
60
59
Virginia Beach, VA
Apr 17, 2018
#16
  • Apr 17, 2018
  • #16
So much better after cutting it down. Didn't take long to do. Welded them on the front and back side. Also had to lengthen the holes on the bumper brackets to get the fitment right. Next, sanding them down and primer. Will be painted body color.


 
Reactions: horse sence

Realmongo

I prefer to be called "Evil Genius"
Founding Member
Oct 10, 2001
2,468
86
99
Western Mass
Apr 17, 2018
#17
  • Apr 17, 2018
  • #17
The fit looks good now!

I'm so glad I had both of my original bumpers re-chromed.
 
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