Euro Front Bumper Purchase from classiccarpartsvn.com

Catbert

Catbert

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Even before the recent purchase of my 1975 Euro spec CSi was finalized, I already knew I wanted to install the front bumper to accompany the CSL-look airdam already installed. I quickly discovered the replicas sold by classiccarpartsvn.com, which does business using ebay. Most comments I received before buying them were unfavorable and contradictory to those who claimed they are of good quality. So, preferring to spend $500 vs. $3000 I placed my order. The were very accommodating to sell me just the front bumper for $499. I was impressed with the good communication and hoped that would be a good sign. It was.

Yesterday, my package arrived. The box was completely wrapped in shipping tape. Upon opening it, all pieces were carefully wrapped in protective paper and then either wrapped in shrink wrap and/or bubblewrap. The finish is mirror-like. The machining is precise and beautiful. Even the rubber looked identical to OEM. Finally, the hardware, which I wasn't sure was included, is all stainless steel and machined to a high degree. Now, if it fits right I will be one happy camper.
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Good news then! Most of their issues come from poorly fitting rear bumpers where the radius is too tight to the body and the brackets on the bumper itself are not symmetrical on both sides requiring cutting and welding. Then there is the money they stiffed Don on and won’t reply.
 
HB Chris said:
Most of their issues come from poorly fitting rear bumpers where the radius is too tight to the body and the brackets on the bumper itself are not symmetrical on both sides requiring cutting and welding.
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The front bumpers, being in three pieces, probably offer more adjustability than the 2-pieced rears.

Catbert:

What will you do about the brackets that attach the F bumper to the frame and connect behind the overriders? I presume these are different from what is used with the 5 mph bumpers. Do repro brackets come with the repro bumpers? Or will you need to find used ones? Can the air dam on your car accommodate bumpers, or will you need to lose that?

Incidentally, what you got from classiccarpartsvn.com aren't exactly "Euro bumpers". They're just the bumpers found on all pre-1974 e9's. The US delivery, 1974 models with those 5 mph bumpers were the exception.
 
I installed a set of the Vietnamese bumpers 5 years ago. The fronts are a decent fit and do install much easier. So you should in good shape. The polished stainless looks great, the rubber fits well and it’s hard to tell the difference from these and stock. The rear bumper was the issue. Brackets did not line up with factory mounting holes and it sits a tad too high. Hopefully they’ve made some improvements in the five years since I installed them.
 
jmackro said:
The front bumpers, being in three pieces, probably offer more adjustability than the 2-pieced rears.

Catbert:

What will you do about the brackets that attach the F bumper to the frame and connect behind the overriders? I presume these are different from what is used with the 5 mph bumpers. Do repro brackets come with the repro bumpers? Or will you need to find used ones? Can the air dam on your car accommodate bumpers, or will you need to lose that?

Incidentally, what you got from classiccarpartsvn.com aren't exactly "Euro bumpers". They're just the bumpers found on all pre-1974 e9's. The US delivery, 1974 models with those 5 mph bumpers were the exception.
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I purchased brackets from classiceuroparts.com. I also purchased the spacers they say is needed for '74+ E9s. The brackets were expensive enough. The two plastic bits were a king's ransome. Pay once, cry once. The brackets are of high quality and make for an OEM fitment. Yes, the bumper and air dam can be fitted together without issue as many cars are done that way as mine will soon be
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How did your install go? I’m curious about these as well as my ‘73 has some pretty tired chrome. ESP the rear one. I’ve been wondering whether the stainless bumpers are difficult upkeep or not.
 
heroszeros said:
How did your install go? I’m curious about these as well as my ‘73 has some pretty tired chrome. ESP the rear one. I’ve been wondering whether the stainless bumpers are difficult upkeep or not.
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As I mentioned, I am really happy with the quality and fit of the front bumper including the rubber strips and hardware. Everything fits together as it should. Right now, I am waiting for the mounting bracket rubber bushings as those parts were pointed out to me by @sfdon, who had me get in touch with @TomHom. So, I am waiting for them to be shipped to me all the way from Germany. I did mount the bumper to then very carefully mark the two holes I had to drill to attach the bumper ends to the fender. The air dam I have meant having to drill two new holes and not being able to use the existing OEM holes. No big deal. Everything aligns perfectly. I can't wait to receive the bushings so I can finally attach the bumper!
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Very nice it looks quite good! My front bumper always had a little movement on the final tightening which made the outboard ends challenging to align. Take it easy when you do the final assembly!
 
Catbert said:
As I mentioned, I am really happy with the quality and fit of the front bumper including the rubber strips and hardware. Everything fits together as it should. Right now, I am waiting for the mounting bracket rubber bushings as those parts were pointed out to me by @sfdon, who had me get in touch with @TomHom. So, I am waiting for them to be shipped to me all the way from Germany. I did mount the bumper to then very carefully mark the two holes I had to drill to attach the bumper ends to the fender. The air dam I have meant having to drill two new holes and not being able to use the existing OEM holes. No big deal. Everything aligns perfectly. I can't wait to receive the bushings so I can finally attach the bumper!
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That looks great Catbert, Just a reminder before you install the bumper for good don't forget to used the rubber gasket between the horns and the bumper it self,
Best Regards
 
grnder95 said:
That looks great Catbert, Just a reminder before you install the bumper for good don't forget to used the rubber gasket between the horns and the bumper it self,
Best Regards
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What rubber gasket are you referring to and where does it mount? I have seen many photos of front bumpers and not gaskets of any kind. Thanks!
 
There are rubber gaskets around each bumper rail in the valance, a U shaped rubber channel around each bumper end and four similar U shaped pieces between each bumper guard and the bumper. All are black, the replacement small rubber pieces that come from Walloth as grey, I paint them before installing.
 
HB Chris said:
There are rubber gaskets around each bumper rail in the valance, a U shaped rubber channel around each bumper end and four similar U shaped pieces between each bumper guard and the bumper. All are black, the replacement small rubber pieces that come from Walloth as grey, I paint them before installing.
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Hi Chris! I just spoke wth @sfdon who explained what part @grnder95 was referring to. The black vinyl edging came with the bumper kit I purchased. I did not know what it was for until now. Thanks!
 
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