Elite bumpers restoration (and question)

[MetBlue]

I understand your issue and a projection is standard. At least my car has the same profile anyway.
Out of the factory, they didn't fit the edging rubber along the top and bottom edge, just some short vertical pieces of rubber on the side flanks.
I'll see if I can find them still and post a photo of the section later.
Bumpers looking very smart. Nice job. Could you cut a short section of the rubber edging and push into the 'gap' to disguise it?

Tony

[AndrewWebber]

Thanks Tony (and Pete). Ah, that explains it, and that not so much of the original rubber edging had 'disappeared' in the 40+ years as I thought!

I had wondered about inserting a piece, but in effect it would probably have to be just half the cross section to get the right thickness. I might just leave it at least a while to think it through further....

As my edging is a little chunkier than the original it probably accentuates the issue.

Has anyone got a good resolution close up of that area 'as factory built'?

Thanks again Andy

[Pete Boole]

Just been into loft again - my rear bumper is the same as yours Andy.

Pete

[AndrewWebber]

So I'm pleased with the finished result, have to see how they fair over time / use...

Hope the pictures load and stay there...





What a bumper summer

Andy

[Pete Boole]

They look great Andy - worth the effort.

Pete

[AndrewWebber]

Thanks Pete, it was a bit of a dilemma in me not wanting to 'restore' the car, as I think it's one that is best left with its 'used but loved look', but like the vinyl roof and drivers seat, the bumpers had suffered too much over time to the point of being too scruffy, for me to leave them completely alone!

I put all those aspects in the category of having now had 'loving repairs', in the same way that the previous owner saved it (at far greater expense) from terminal decline with a new chassis and decent engine rebuild in the 90's!

[KevW]

That's a very neat job Andrew, great to see the nation's heritage being preserved ! I used similar U shaped edge trim around the inner lip of the bumper air intake on my Excel before I fitted new mesh and it really did finish off the job.

[AndrewWebber]

Thanks Kev, as part of the same job stripping the rear lights apart and cleaning them from the inside has also made a big difference to the appearance with the lights switched off, and their brightness when on.

Andy