SC Coupe Restoration

[Jack Staggs]

The bumper is adjusted as high as it will go and it's still pretty close to the back up light. Is this typical?

Yes, it's fairly common, and I positively HATE it! In your one side view pic, the bumper end looks a little low in the relief of the fender as well. Optical illusion? Fix it. I sometimes have to loosen the bumper just to service the light.
These B C bumpers are all over the place. RE: the deco being short on the tip. They all look a bit short there by about an inch or so to me. Position the deco so that the distance is equal, or, if you are a perfectionist (and we know you are), cut the deco in three pieces, with the splits hidden behind the bumper guards and redrill/file the rectangular deco mounting holes (you will have to do it anyways to get equal spacing). While you are at it, do the front as well. Like I tell Trevor, "I don't care how hard you have to work!".
BTW, put a huge cushion on the floor under the rear bumper while fitting the reverse light lens, so when you drop it (not IF you drop it), it won't shatter, and be easy on the bezel screws to avoid disaster.

[foamcar]

Tom

Oh S--t. I Googled in 356 Porsche bumpers, but not many pics of them installed. One came up on your old Samba thread where I guy posted a pic related to license plate hole locations. Looks like some car to car variation on the backup light clearance. Here is one taken years ago when I started removing Foam. Looks like the light situation you have:

[Don C]

Tom,
Here's a shot of my '65C backup light to bumper positioning.

[JTR70]

Bumper fit looks great Tom, Nice work! With this alteration you may want to mock up the bumper deco you're going to be using as it might come up a little short and not allow the tips to come forward enough for your liking.
Justin

[tperazzo]

Thanks for the encouragement to improve my bumper fit.






I added about 5/8" of an inch.


Much happier.



I do have a question though.

The bumper is adjusted as high as it will go and it's still pretty close to the back up light. Is this typical?







Thanks,
Tom

[tperazzo]

I haven't sawed off my bumper yet, but it's inevitable...maybe today.

The problem is both the fenders and the bumper. The right side indent varies 3/8" from the left side when measured to the wheel arch.

My solution will be to lengthen the bumper only by about 3/4"

Crazy how these cars differ from side to side.

I thought repro parts were a PITA, this original bumper is just as bad!
Tom

[JTR70]

I call "Bull shit". You were never going to leave that...no way!

So what is the fix, is the problem in the bumper or in the fender? Are the detents left and right equal distance from the wired lip? If so, my guess is you've already sawed through the tip of that bumper.
Its all coming together really nice Tom!
Justin

OOPS! Just reread your last post and you already explained it was in your bumper mod. Okay, I'm now up to speed.

[Don C]

+1...fix it.

[John Pierce]

Tom: knowing your perfection to details this will bother you. I think no matter what we say you would still fix it. No one but you would probably notice it, but since you've come this far, what's another couple of welds?!!


JP

[tperazzo]

Thanks guys. There is still one nagging detail after everything lines up well along the back and the cutouts, sides, etc.

Just like Trevor and Jack were saying about the front bumpers, I have the wrap around distance problem on the rear. I like how the drivers side flows with the fender indent.




But the passenger side is a bit short.



When I cut and re-welded the section under the bumper guard I mostly narrowed the bumper and tilted it in a bit which I don't think affected the length that is parallel with side of the car.

Even though I can't see both sides of the car at once, I'm still thinking I should fix it.

What do you guys think? Leave it alone or no?
Tom

[Jack Staggs]

[quote="tperazzo" post=33832]This bumper wasn't happy until it was removed and installed at least a dozen times.
Happy Memorial Day.
Tom[/quote

Hahaha! That's how we do it too! Trevor got lucky on the end splice on Craig's front bumper. Only had it off twice, IIRC. Once for welding, once for grinding (or "sanding", as he calls it), no further adjustments required.
Really good to see you back at it after a well deserved break. Carry on...

PS Bruce: I save all those precious old bumper pieces as well.

[Trevor]

[quote="tperazzo" post=33832]This bumper wasn't happy until it was removed and installed at least a dozen times.
Happy Memorial Day.
Tom[/quote

Looks really nice Tom. Happy Memorial Day to you too.

[John Pierce]

Tom,

The gaps are very pleasing to the eye with nice and smooth curvatures. Great work.


JP

[tperazzo]

"Remember just a few posts ago when you were wondering if you might be done welding on this thing? "
I know it's a good thing I didn't give away that welder yet



So here's the spacing I'm at without any pressure from the side bolts.












I think it's a compromise between how the factory did it and how I like it. As Jack said in another post the spacing is tight in the middle and ends. Then it widens as is goes around the corners.

It's kind of hard to take pictures of the air gaps. You might be able to see the measurements written on the bumper.

I'm waiting for the rubber donuts to synch it up better. I will also dig up the guards and lights from storage and install them.

Also the fender to frame dimensions through the hole is 8 3/4" on one side and 9" on the other. The fender brace brackets can easily push the fenders around plus minus 1/4".

This bumper wasn't happy until it was removed and installed at least a dozen times.
Happy Memorial Day.
Tom

[JTR70]

That's really fitting nice now Tom! Remember just a few posts ago when you were wondering if you might be done welding on this thing?
Keep up the great work...you're getting closer to paint all the time!
Justin