Abarth bumperettes: install method

[MrJD]

I have seen these done a multitude of different ways. I wanted to keep them as structural (acting as bumpers) as was possible, so i have decided to mount them using heavy gauge tubing in the stock bumpershock locations. See below:

The Tubing is the same diameter as the bumpershock on the outside, and is the perfect diameter for the bumperette to Barely slide into on the inside!


It is a super tight fit, especially in the back where I had to remove the edges from the bumperette mounting plate


pipe in the car


cut to rough length. I will probably drill in and use some allthread to hold the bumperette in place. Not quite decided how to secure it yet... and am open to ideas. I want it as strong as possible.


in the car


I will be welding up the extra open area here.


This will be drilled out and fit in place using the same support bolt the bumper shocks used

[johndemar]

I've seen this set up where the pipe is filled with a type of resin to hold the bumperette in place. Then drilled to use the original shock bolt to hold in place.

[narfire]

I should have a look, but I think I used springs to hold the fronts in place. I had the holes shrouded in when I had the car painted the first time to accept the bar from the bumperette then whole pipe would not fit anymore. A good strong spring with a piece of wire or whipping cord to back it up will hold it and on occasion you might have to adjust if you drive on bumpy roads a lot.
I think for the rears I used a pipe affair.

[ITA124]

I wanted to keep them as structural (acting as bumpers) as was possible,

I have these on my car. I doubt very much that even mounting with tubes, they will provide protection. The bumperette sits flush with the panel, so in the event of a 'bump' will transfer much of the energy to the panel. The bumberettes are often moulded over a thin mounting braket. You can flex this by hand.

I have them for the aesthetics, weight saving and compliance of having a 'bumper system'

Cheers,
Paul

[MrJD]

I still think rigid mounting them to the structure of the car is a better idea than bracket mounting.

[Tuc124]

I agree with ITA124. I have these strictly for looks. They wouldn't meet up with the bumper of an SUV or pickup truck. I've resigned myself to the fact to expect major damage if I'm in any kind of collision.

[Daniel]

the only bumpers that have any real protection are the later model spiders the metal on the early models are worthless
if your in a collision.

[fiat218]

I think the whole car will be worthless in a collision

[narfire]

I think the whole car will be worthless in a collision

Naaaa, many parts could be salvaged...

(I have the bumperettes as well...)