Any tips on install. of rubber grommet that surrounds ...

[schwarz75]

the front bumper bracket (and protects the paintwork of sheetmetal). I was attempting to install one of these last night and it seems too large for the opening. I have replaced the core support on my '73 2002, but I assume the opening dimension is as it should be.

[BLUNT]

i just lubed them up with my garage sized container of personal lubricant and forced them in. they fit fine after some sweet talking and convincing

[Jon_uk]

I was told that soaking them in hot water would loosen them up enough and make them more pliable - seemed to work for me

[BillWilliams]

If that doesn't work, I used a flat bladed screw driver to work them in.

I believe there is only one orientation that they will fit.

[SteveJ]

Isopropyl alcohol works as a good lube for installing rubber seals. Evaporates fast and leaves (nearly) no residue.

And the cleark at the locla pharmacy won't be giving you a funny look as he would for buying the other type of lube.

People used to use dish soap for installing those foam grips on bicycle handle bars. Worked good until you got them wet.

"Nothing but foam all over"

[Mike Self]

sized for the much smaller 72 and earlier brackets. I had the same problem with my '73, and tried both ways--put the grommet on the bracket and try to insert, then install the grommet and try to force the bracket thru. I think I finally succeeded with the latter method, using some silicone grease to help things along.

Still a bitchy job, and IIRC I ended up haking a very sharp razor blade and carefully trimming the hole in the grommet that accepts the bracket so it would slide in a little easier and not pull the grommet loose while doing so.

Have fun

mike

[Delia]

Replaced mine last Spring.

I removed the bumper assembly from the bodyand disassembled it. It's a good time to clean up under there anyway. Replace the bolts if you like, otherwise clean up the threads so they will come apart next time without a "heat wrench." Antiseize is your friend.

The brackets on a '73 are "sided," so mark them accordingly. It will save you some time.

For the grommets, you can use silicone, vaseline or general purpose grease (my choice) on the opening. Push the rubber grommet through the front panel using a wooden stick. (Don't use a screwdriver, metal scratches paint. I used a round, wooden paint brush handle.)

Important: Test fit the bracket to be sure you have the grommet rightside up. The bracket should push through easily and line up with the slot in in the grommet.

Reassemble everything "fingertight," including the bumper ends where they attach to the fenders. Take the car outside and look to see if the bumper is level, then tighten things up slowly - all the while making certain the bumper is level.

Final step: Crack open a beer, and admire your work.

Delia