Quote:
Originally Posted by Vic1947
Blessing in disguise, Chip. Using the stock front bumper and outsourcing the grille sped things up considerably.
Like many other parts, I'd sent the bumpers out for straightening and de-chroming years ago. When Charlie Smith did the front end design, I decided to sell the stock stuff and make a few bucks. Figured if they were gone, it would force me to use the Desoto/Pontiac setup. Hauled them to three or four swap meets and never found a buyer. So luckily, I still had them on hand. (Can you say lucky, lucky, lucky?) However, the fit was not what I expected. I knew I'd need to narrow it, but turns out, the bumper had taken a light hit on the driver side. Found a small telltale kink in the same general vicinity as a ding in the valance panel. After pressing, beating and prying it out, it was straight enough to slice and dice.
I cut it in two places outboard, since the inner curves had to match the valance. Took a total of 1-1/4" out of it to get the fit I wanted alongside the fenders. Slight modifications to the bumper brackets and I was in business. Plan is to paint the front and rear bumpers to match the lower body color. |
Hey Vic... what would happen if you tucked that bumper back a few inches... might sleek it a little more without to much difficulty...