65 Mustang front/rear Bumper Installation

I recently had time to install my bumpers onver the weekend on my restoration project. I wanted to share some things that may help others.

Obviously the original bumpers are thicker gauge steel, and definitley use new washers.  The problem is that the chrome carraige bolts, the length of the square portion is much thicker than the bumper, and when you go to compress the washer after tightening, your chrome carraige bolt my pop out on top of the bumper.  I used a heavy duty rubber washer to take up some of the slack.

The rear bumper is not to bad, just make sure you use weatherstrip adhesive to hold bracket bushing in place on bracket. I had to shim the one side, but rather than use metal, I used heavy duty rubber washers I happen to find these at Lowes one day, extremely durable and did the trick great.  

The front bumper for me was a real pain, I had to take off several times. I used orginal brackets in front, and new ones for sides.

http://www.mustangmonthly.com/techarticles/mump_0810_how_to_replace_and_adjust_bumpers/index.html

The following article does show a picture on the front side brackets being installed "Incorrectly" according to the Jim Osborn manual.  I installed the way showed on the link, then looked at my manual. I'm still debating on removing and installing the way in manual.  The manual way seems easier since the slotted hole will connect at the fender and require no adjustment of the bracket. However the way depcited in article above leaves less chance of scratching fender, since the metal area is much smaller on the curved side of bracket.

Another thing I noticed is that the "orginal" brackets would not work with the new bumper, it appears that my stock one was flared more on the ends allowing for more room between bumper and fender.  With the after market brackets, I was able to install, and shim with nylon washers between rubber rubbers so paint would not get scratched.  

Definitely try to have a second person help you, and mask the paint and cover bumper with a cloth.

I have come to a conclusion, after years of working on these cars, nothing is accurate, nor every going to be completely perfect.  There is a certain "fudge" factor on all these cars.

Just my two cents....