New front bumper and brackets

[jasonf79]

I have an 86 that I am installing a new front bumper and new brackets. I got the brackets from LMC and the bumper from National Parts Depot. The issue I am having is that once I got the brackets bolted to the frame, not all of the holes line up on the bumper. Should I loosen the side brackets to give them some play so I can adjust as needed when lining up the bumper? Or, should I remove the side brackets from the frame and attach them to the bumper first, then attach to the frame? Just not sure the best way to get this lined up correctly.

 

[Camar068]

gonna guess with an old frame who knows what shape its in. The bumper mounts are all "here and there" in different directions. I'd start with keep it loose and push/shove/pry where needed to make it fit. Obviously don't bend/flex ur bumper.

 

[Chevy 88]

I have an 86 that I am installing a new front bumper and new brackets. I got the brackets from LMC and the bumper from National Parts Depot. The issue I am having is that once I got the brackets bolted to the frame, not all of the holes line up on the bumper. Should I loosen the side brackets to give them some play so I can adjust as needed when lining up the bumper? Or, should I remove the side brackets from the frame and attach them to the bumper first, then attach to the frame? Just not sure the best way to get this lined up correctly.

What I do is loosely install the brackets on the frame, and then loosely install the bumper onto the brackets. Then I use spacers or thick washers to compensate for any issues lining things up.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

General rule of thumb for anything is leave everything loose till you get all the bolts in, then snug them all evenly, then tighten them all evenly.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Install the brackets on the bumper, leaving the hardware barely hand tight, then slide the bumper onto the frame rails and use jack stands to hold it up while you maneuver everything around to line up the holes

 

[jasonf79]

I got it figured out for the most part after loosening the brackets and installing the bumper. The driver's side, side bracket is about an 1" off from the holes in the frame so I'm going to have to remove that and bend is some in order to fit.

 

[Chevy 88]

Bend the bumper? Naw, you don't want to mess up a good bumper. See, what ya wana do here is bend the frame.
That's the ticket.

 

[K10noob182]

I got a rear LMC bumper and the brackets they suggested. The factory brackets are beefy and much sturdier. I have the bumper mounted now as a decoration. I plan to restore the original oem brackets and drill out the LMC bumper to fit.

 

[Broken85]

I got it figured out for the most part after loosening the brackets and installing the bumper. The driver's side, side bracket is about an 1" off from the holes in the frame so I'm going to have to remove that and bend is some in order to fit.

Try putting a big adjustable on the bumper mount and torque it left or right whichever way it has to go to line up. It’s nice to have a helper drop the bolt in for you.

Like everyone said, hand tight everything until you get a bolt and nut in every hole, then tighten it down and watch it groan

 

[edgephoto]

After reading all these bumper threads I decided to rechrome my rear step and front bumper. Costs more but the quality is better.