‘73 front bumper bracket orientation

[floatinghead]

I lost my labels for the front bumper brackets when I cleaned them up and painted them. The holes in the bracket are not centered and to save myself some time/ energy, hoping someone can tell me whether the holes are supposed to be closer to the top or the the bottom.

 

and while I’m here, is it easier to assemble as a compete bumper or to install the brackets and then the bumper to it?
 

thanks!

 

baron

 

 

[esty]

my opinion only...it's unlikely that 1/8 inch will matter either way

 

[Mike Self]

+1 on Esty's comment.  Wouldn't swear to it without checking my parts book,  but I think the '73 (only) front bumper brackets carry a single part number so can be used on either side.  I know the rear ones are.--

 

As for installing--on my '73 I found it was easier to install the brackets through their grommets, and loosely bolt 'em up to the frame rails in the front fender well.  Then assemble the three bumper face pieces, along with the overriders and spacers, again, fastening the bolts just tight enough to keep things from falling apart.  Finally, start tightening bolts so that the bumper blade is parallel to the lower edge of the grille (not equidistant from the ground on both ends).  

 

Trying to install the complete bumper assembly with brackets is awkward and difficult...better to assemble it on the car.

 

mike

[02Les]

There is a left & a right.

Left = 51 11 1 822 063

Right = 51 11 1 822 064

 

However, having never seen the USA versions I have no idea how to tell. The Euro version becomes obvious once you have fitted the left one on the right side & vice versa (the bumper doesn't sit right).

[floatinghead]

Thanks for the responses.  I read a thread not too long ago ( that I of course couldn't find) where a guy was having trouble getting his bumper lined up and after switching brackets left to right, it helped his issue.  Maybe i'll place them in and see which way gives  more room for adjustment.

 

or i'll just mount them up and see how it goes!

[Mike Self]

4 hours ago, floatinghead said:

a guy was having trouble getting his bumper lined up and after switching brackets left to right, it helped his issue. 

That's why you install the brackets (alone) first, then hang all the bumper blade/overrider pieces on them, and finally align everything and tighten up the bolts.

 

mike

[mgben]

Just checked my car, it looks to have the holes closest to the edge that is down. (ground side) 

Not saying it was never apart, just not by me.