ledee416

I am sure you guys have figured out that I post a lot. I am sorry, I just have a lot of questions, and they always seem to be weird things. I do search the forum, but my OCD usually has me posting anyway... sorry in advance lol


so I buy a rear bumper cover to replace the hideous "customization" the PO did to my 1980. I also buy a right tail light off of ebay. so when i go to put the tail light in tonight, it doesnt exactly fit. The light came out of a 78 ot at least that is what is marked on it from the salvage yard.

that is problem #1

#2 is a little weirder. When I bought the bumper it looked a bit odd to me. For one, I dont think it has the two holes for the rear bumper struts. it also has this weird square cutout. Anyway, here are some pics. What is this bumper from, why doesnt my light fit, and what is up with the weirdness of this bumper?



underside of bumper:


weird square cutout. notice the poor preb job leading to paint peeling off like an orange.


light fitment issues from various angles:








it kind of fits, but not really:


alrighty experts and veterans, what the heck is going on? I am guessing bumper is from later year car and they made subtle changes to bumper? what is with the square cutout?

ammonman

The bumper cover is from a European delivery car. The square cut-out is for a rear facing fog light. The other give-away is the lack of holes for the rear bumper-ettes. They were not required in Europe. Not sure on the light. Perhaps there are differences I'm not aware of. Could it be for the opposite side?

Mike

FLYVMO

The bumper cover is for a Euro, the square cutout is for the Euro fog light. I also seem to remember the tail light lenses mount from outside, but the housing is mounted from behind..someone correct me if I can't remember correctly.

Mike beat me to it

Cheers!
Carl
90GT Project

ledee416

that would make sense. I thought about trying that...seperating th pieces and reattaching them around the bumper so to speak. The tabs in the back talked me out of it though. so european car ... nice. I have a euro but it is going on my 80 us version. U can just tape the hole and fill it before paint. I guess drill holes for the bumperettes as well. I got the bumper for 50 dollars. I am very good at scouring the earth for parts. I am sure some of you are as well.

FLYVMO

I would just remove the bumperette hardware from your car and keep the bumper cover as the factory intended. Makes for a smoother look.

Cheers!
Carl

ledee416

hmmm... cool idea. I think it is what I shall do. I am wondering how much thise little bumperettes save you from bumper cover damage though. Without them, the rear is going to get creamed no?

FLYVMO

They are there to meet the 5 Mph impact test. But unless you back up or get hit exactly square from the rear they are pretty useless...in my opinion. The polyurethane bumper cover "bounces" back and regains its shape at lighter impacts.

Cheers!
Carl

77tony

Many pay to have the rub strips, US Bumperettes, etc removed while in for paint. Like Carl says for that smoother look. T