bumper gap after welding

[timrosser]

HI All,

Just had my rear valance cut out & welded for my MOT, from the side it looks a perfect job, the bumper mathes the countor or the wheel arch perfectly, but my 480 now has a 1cm 'gap between the rear of the bodywork (under the lights) and the start of the bumper- a little more at the ends (under the indicators) where the bumper is shaped to fit that car.

I really like & trust my garage, so I'm wondering what to do next? I was thinking a rubber gutter stuck to the bodywork might be a good idea to channel the water to the sides of the car rather than letting it fester around the bumper?

Best

Tim

[jifflemon]

Got a pic?

I wonder if they've broke the studs on the bumper bar during removal and have recreated them? Checked to see if there's any adjustment to be had in the bumper bar?

[timrosser]

I'm not too sure how to put pics up here, but I am sure that my bumper bar was basically reduced a box of rusty branflakes and they fabricated a new one

[jifflemon]

Hmmmm that sounds like they may have just fabbed it a little wrong.

It attaches here underneath:



You may be able to oval the mounting points out to gain a little upward adjustment?

[brinkie]

I think many 480's have only rusty flakes left where once the rear bumper support has been

It is a tad expensive (€ 400), but there is someone in Germany who manufactures rear bumper supports in fibreglass.

[timrosser]

Great, I think I know those screws! If you pop those off does the bumper just 'fall off' or does it need to be slid off? Thanks for the tip Robert- its been quite a pricey year for my 480 so I wont be doing that for a bit- off to the auto electricians tomorrow!

By the way nay thoughts about installing a rubber gutter along the bodywork behind the bumper? Channeling the water to the sides has to make more sense than letting its find its way around just about the whole rear end on its way to the ground?

[Alan 480]

Great, I think I know those screws! If you pop those off does the bumper just 'fall off' or does it need to be slid off?

when bolts are undone , wiggle it (just a little bit) get a canny assistant if possible, pull th efornt ends out where they wrap arond the rear arch.

sliding back on is a PITA cos you need to line up the plastic slides/clips but the bumper wants to spread out at front edge as it passes along body work.

There is a couple of wee plastic dirt catchers with foam within just behind the arch, I'd strongly suggest that you remove the foam as it just keeps salty water against the steel boot floor, guess outcome

By the way nay thoughts about installing a rubber gutter along the bodywork behind the bumper? Channeling the water to the sides has to make more sense than letting its find its way around just about the whole rear end on its way to the ground?

I'd let it drain rather pool