Wide Bumper Bracket Spacing Problem

[Scotty]

One of my front bumper brackets was bent causing the bumper to tilt upwards on the driver side, so I ordered a new pair from Rick

The good news is my bumpers are now horizontally true. The bad news is that I now have a ~1/2” space between the front of the car and the brackets shown in the picture below.




The brackets are on the correct side as indicated on the labeling.

What did I do wrong?

 

[sunalp]

That's what they're supposed to have. They were never tight to the valance.

 

[Scotty]

That's what they're supposed to have. They were never tight to the valance.

I’m embarrassed to say this, but I didn’t know that. Are the rear bumpers the same way, I mean are they supposed to have a ‘gap’ as well?

Thank you so much for clearing this up for me, I really appreciate you.

 

[sunalp]

Yes, the rears should also have some space, not tight to the body. There are spacers that fit in the
holes where the bolts go to hold the brackets tight against the body. They protrude slightly and allow the
bolts to be tightened without crushing the body. If you have difficulty getting your trunk key in the lock
you're most likely missing these.

 

[Scotty]

Yes, the rears should also have some space, not tight to the body. There are spacers that fit in the
holes where the bolts go to hold the brackets tight against the body. They protrude slightly and allow the
bolts to be tightened without crushing the body. If you have difficulty getting your trunk key in the lock
you're most likely missing these.

I am and I am missing them. The brackets are right to the body. I'll start looking around to source a pair. Thank you for your help!

 

[junkman]

You can make them yourself Scotty, I generally use a bottle jack handle ( round pipe) that will fit through the valance hole and cut them off at an inch or so. Your length may be a little longer or shorter depending on previous body work.