How To Replace And Adjust Bumpers

When you install the bumper, make sure all bumper brackets are loose to give you wiggle (adjustment) room. Loosen bumper brackets at the framerail. All bolts get those wavy washers mentioned earlier. Install all the bolts but leave them loose.

With the bumper loosely installed and all the bolts in place, you're ready to adjust. It really is all about bumper spacing. You want the same spacing between the bumper and fender on both sides, which will vary depending on which bumper you have-especially with a reproduction bumper. Spacing must also be uniform between the bumper and stone guard, which is tricky to pull off. If you must shim, use a flat washer between the wavy washer and bracket, never between the wavy washer and bumper. Count on bumper-to-fender bracket alignment issues and finite adjustment. This goes for Ford bumpers as well as reproductions.

The last adjustment and tightening step is the bumper-to-fender bracket. You want uniform spacing on both sides, but it's going to be hard to get because bumper stampings vary. Slowly tighten the bolt inside the fender and watch the rubber grommet. Don't overtighten or you could crack your paint.

Rear bumpers also get wavy washers for flexibility. Install the wavy side toward the bumper.

Because no two bumper brackets are the same, expect some confusion and frustration while you determine which is right for your bumper. Be prepared to switch sides and use shims to achieve proper fitment. This is a Ford bumper bracket with a reproduction bumper.

Note how contorted this rear bumper bracket is. Be prepared to use shims or go shopping for another bumper bracket.

License lamp installation is next. We ran into size issues where the light grommet penetrates the tail panel. Our light grommet is larger than the hole; this is no fault of the grommet, but instead the reproduction tail panel. We drilled out the hole to accommodate the grommet. By the way, a new bulb is included with the light. Plug in the light inside your trunk.

Gary Mattson installs and fit-checks our rear bumper. Our first fitment was terrible, calling for shims and adjustments. Your objective needs to be proper fitment without anyone seeing the shims. They must go between the wavy washer and bumper bracket.

Our initial bumper fit-check is way off. Don't take your marbles and go home. Be prepared to make adjustments.

This Ford-illustrated parts breakdown doesn't show all the hardware. However, it demonstrates the basics. The easiest bumper installations come from using Ford bumpers, either rechromed or N.O.S. Reproduction bumpers can work well with patience and persistence.

These "shims" are nothing more than flat washers. Add shims (all it normally takes is one per bumper bolt/wavy washer) between the wavy washer and bracket depending on which way you want the bumper to turn. Too far out at the top, like ours, calls for a shim in the bottom bumper bolt to angle the bumper in at the top. Add shims at the top bolts to angle the bumper out at the top. Never use shims between the bumper bracket and tail panel.

We added one shim to each side bottom, which got our bumper flush, with finger width gapping on each side. More adjustment is still required.