Finally got to spend a decent chunk of time on the car this weekend. Concentrated on sorting out the mess left behind from removal of the bumper. Lots of holes in the front valance, plus a few bits that were rusty. And I kinda left a really rough bit where I needed to add some clearance for the new subframe. Anyway, pics...
I had already patched the drivers side on the corner where the rust was the worst.
Passenger side needed similar attention.
Managed to weld up all of the holes as well.
With that work progressing nicely I turned my attention to the replacement bumper. Although the back looks great without the bumper, the front end does not work as well. I picked up this bumper from someones nature strip at hard rubbish time years ago, and when i got it home was surprised to find it is a perfect fit on the Morrie. No idea what it is off, something english and rear drive is my guess given the size, style and crank hole.
Here is is alongside the 1100 bumper.
In fact, by lying the 1100 bumper on top and breaking out the rattle can I was able to transfer the outline over to the new bumper.
Then grind to suit the profile.
Some trimming was needed on the ends around the arch flares, especially since I’ll need some extra clearance when I fit larger flares to cover the tyres.
I reckon it works well.
With all the holes filled I decided it was time to sort out the lower edge.
https://counterfeit.net.au/images/
Specifically this nasty bit. Why didn’t I fix this when it was on the rotisserie???
I made this tool.
So I had a line to work to.
And liberated this strip. I need a little clearance underneath as my subframe ended up slightly longer than the original.
With all the holes welded I folded a slight return on the edge I created underneath then rattle canned some etch primer over it all. Even with my efforts at panelbeating the panel it will never be smooth. I just kept reminding myself that the goal was not ‘file finishing’ the car, I’ll settle for simply finishing. Most of this will be covered by the new bumper, and I’m certainly not afraid of a little filler.
New bumper hiding my sins…
Next time I’ll look at creating some bumper irons to support this, and with no more welding required up front I’ll chuck the power plant in!
Cheers
Madmorrie