Sequence for attaching rubber to bumper

[jmackro]

OK, when last we visited Jay's CS restoration, he was struggling with the overrider-bumper fit. We solved that one (decided that old bumper was hopelessly mangled, and found a good used assembly).

Now, I'm planning ahead a little - still need to get the bumpers rechromed, but when that's done, I am going to have to re-fit the black rubber extrusions. I have bought new steel mounting strips, and have drilled them to match the hole pattern in my bumpers. So far, so good.

My question is: I can imagine two different procedures for putting these three parts (chrome bumper, steel strip, rubber extrusion) together. Have any of you assembled a bumper, and if so, which procedure did you use?

I have mocked up the two procedures in the following photos:

#1) Start by inserting the steel strip into the rubber extrusion. Stuff the tapered tip of the rubber into the hole at the outer end of the chrome bumper, and then attach the steel strip to the chrome bumper using pop rivets.



#2) Start by pop riveting the steel strip to the chrome bumper (OK, in the photo I cheated by using machine screws - again, this is just a mock-up). Stuff the tapered tip of the rubber into the hole, and then work the rubber extrusion around the steel strip until it snaps into place.

 

[blumax]

How to fit the rubber to the bumper?

#2 is correct--

alsohelps if you warm the rubber strip so more pliable--hair dryer works OK.

 

[steve in reno]

As Murray said #2 is correct.
But to add.
Install tip into the corner and fold rest of rubber back over itself which opens up the underside to form around the metal strip. Then push down rubber as you proceed to open end and secure.
Warm and pliable helps alot.
I hope my description isn't too confusing.
steve

 

[jmackro]

Murray, Steve:

OK, that's clear. I could imagine doing it either way, but my #1 procedure would probably encounter difficulties with the holes not aligning while I was trying to get the pop rivets to engage. And yes Steve, I can envision what you mean by "folding the rubber back over itself".

I wish this were a procedure I was ready to do today, but in fact, assembling the bumpers is still probably at best a month off. Here's how the car currently looks:



When I started this "minor refresh, not a restoration" back in June I figured maybe a couple of months until it was back on the road. Now I'll be happy to be driving it by spring.