bumper conversion

[kevsem65]

hey im looking to replace the bumpers on my 78 with the early style stainless bumper conversion kit. I was wondering if its a direct bolt in job or does body work need to be done and what all is involved. id love to0 hear from someone whos done it do the stock turn signals fit right in the square holes etc.
thanks, kevin

[joelittel]

To do it "right" bodywork is required, as the blade bumper will sit too high otherwise.

If you are not a stickler for the details you can get good results by mounting the blade bumpers to your bumper shocks. This requires draining the oil from your bumper shocks and pushing them in closer to the car & building a bracket that connects the blade bumper to the bumper shocks.

The stock blinkers do not fit in the holes, but a search will turn up many clever solutions.

You'll have to drill some holes in the fenders to connect the ends of the bumpers to the car.

I've heard the mounting bracket sold with the bumpers are not worth your time.

The included link shows the brackets I made for mine. I recently moved my blinkers to the underside of the bumper for better viability.

http://fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic.php ... rs#p215068

[So Cal Mark]

We've had the front mounting brackets for the Harrington bumpers re-designed, so they work with very little modification. The bracket kit does include a bracket to mount your stock turn signals under the bumper. I've done several installations with both the bracket kit and using the stock bumper shocks. With either installation, the bumper sits just below the lower edge of the upper grille and is a huge improvement IMHO.
I'm nearing completion on an 81 restoration with the bumper conversion, so I'll be posting pics soon

[kevsem65]

Thx mark