Bumper Mounting Bolts

[RudeDog]

Howdy All -

Does anyone know what size the bumper mounting bolts are for the front and rear bumpers on a 78? These are the bolts that secure the bumper shock absorbers to the frame. I purchased my car with the bumpers removed and now I want to put the bumpers back on but don't have the bolts yet.

Also, one of the bumper shock absorbers is compressed. Is it possible to pull it back to original position? It's pretty firmly stuck, would heating it help? Once they are compressed does that mean the oil/pressure is gone?

Thanks,
Rudy

[ga.spyder]

Rudy,if it is compressed I would say it would be tough to get it back.I drilled my bumper shocks and compressed them on purpose,so the bumpers fit close to the body.I think it is a good look. I did this on both my Spiders.I will post a pic if you would like to see,I am on another computer right now
This is a popular subject on this site,whether to remove the bumpers or not.If you do a search you will find more info than you can ever use!Good luck and post a pic when you get a chance.
Here is alink to the post that shows my 77 project car w/ the bumpers pulled in.

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... ked+bumper

Craig

[spiderrey]

tie it to a yow strap and gently back the car away?

[So Cal Mark]

DON'T HEAT IT! Or if you choose to heat it, have someone a safe distance away with a cell phone to call 911 for you and to make matters easier for the survivors please have your will updated.

[ga.spyder]

And if you drill them to collapse them ...keep your mouth closed and wear safety glasses!!I didnt.

[RudeDog]

Well, I got the specs on the bumper mounting bolts from someone very helpful at Apple Motors in Denver. They are 14mm diameter / 1.50 pitch / 60mm long. They work great.

As for the bumper shock, I did use a propane torch to just warm the outer pipe and then started tapping (a.k.a. "beating") on it with a hammer and it slowly came back out to the length I needed to match the other shock. I didn't heat the whole thing, just the outer pipe a little bit to get it to expand and let loose of the inner pipe. I don't think there's any pressure left in it since it was almost completely compressed when I started but I could be wrong.

Thanks for all of your input.

[ITA124]

Ditch the bumpers altogether. They weight too much. If you've got them off, keep them off. Having such a mass hanging over the front and rear wheels acts like a pedulum, compromising handling performance.