Bumper Bracket Removal 71 Chal Rt

[chally71e]

Have the 4 3/4" head bolts loosened up so I can slightly move the brackets. I am having trouble getting the bolts all of the way out. I've tried ratchets, as well as an impact. My thought is that there is likely a u nut on the back side, in the frame rail that is broken. Thus the bolt just spins. If that is not what secures them to the frame rail, how am I supposed to get to a regular nut inside the frame rail? Thanks

 

[Canuck74]

There is a nut inside. Ours was broken off when we removed the bumper several odd years ago. After debating what to do for a while we decided it wasn't coming out without cutting the frame so we chose the thinner top metal, cut it open and welded the nut back on!

 

[chally71e]

Really appreciate the info and your repair info.

 

[Canuck74]

It's one of those things the factory would never have thought about failing I guess, especially in the car's 'usable life'. One thing that's always sat in the back of my head is that we didn't weld the nut back on with the bolt through and the bracket on to make sure it was sitting straight. I guess we'll find out soon enough. Good luck getting it off and back together!

 

[chally71e]

It's one of those things the factory would never have thought about failing I guess, especially in the car's 'usable life'. One thing that's always sat in the back of my head is that we didn't weld the nut back on with the bolt through and the bracket on to make sure it was sitting straight. I guess we'll find out soon enough. Good luck getting it off and back together!

Very true on the usable life. I guess if they wanted these cars to last 40 years they would have rust proofed them to last that long. Instead of the 5-10 years that they were supposed to last haha.

I think if I manage to get them out, I am going to weld the nut on the inside, or go inside out with the bolt and weld that.