My easy Euro bumper replacement,not as easy as I had hoped

Well I just got my new rear bumper this week from eurospares to replace my old cracked one. I was really pleased to see it’s a exact replacement for my original one, or so I thought….It appears someone has done some modifications on my old one and my quick replacement isn’t going quite so easy. It looks like it was modified to push it in further but the distance looks correct to me. Although I have not compared mine to other euro models, I like the way it looks like it is. Before I start cutting on my new bumper I would like to get a some opinions on what other 308 owners think.
Should I cut out the new one so it will be in the same distance as the old one? or
fab a new bracket moving it out about a 2 inches. Here are a few pictures of the old & the new, just curious if anyone has seen this done before on a euro model. Since I don’t have access to a welder and fab equipment im thinking im going to cut out the new one, but I hate doing it to such a nice new bumper. Thanks in advance

Formerly Kents308
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

If anyone has a picture of a stock euro rear bumper location or what the origonal bracket looks like I would like to see it to compare. Heres more more pictures.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

See here for pictures of my Euro rear bumper:

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=231461

It seems someone has fabricated some extra metal strips on your bumper brackets. I would just cut those off*.

edit: unless it's original on a qv (mine's a 1978 carburretor).

 

Your original looks like a factory unit. If I had to guess, I would say that the new bumper you got is probably for an earlier model. Looks to me as though Ferrari may have added some additional structural integrity to the bumper later in the run, by making the reinforcement bar extend the length of the bumper. At this point it seems as though you may have 2 options: source out the original type bumper with indentations for the reinforcement, or cut off the reinforcement bar just leaving yourself with the 2 shock absorbers. If you go the second route, I cant see why your bumper would not sit in the same position as it does now. Also, there would not be much fabrication, just hacksaw off the bar(and paint up the bare metal edges) and you should be set.

 

when i purchased my euro GTb QV QV, it came with an extra rear euro bumper, but it was cracked in half in the middle. i still have it and will take pics of it off the car, and of my QV for you.

 

pics
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I have an 85 euro and my bumper seems to sit out a bit further than yours. However, I think it can be adjusted a little more in. I was out looking at it earlier and I dont recall that long bracket across the whole bumper. That bracket looks to be the reason for the cut outs.

Aaron
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Yours looks about the same distance as mine not being cut out. I am wondering if this was done to make the bumper stronger on the later models. When I ordered it, it was supossed to be for a 85 QV but when went to checkout it said it was for a 80 GTB, something to do with a part number change. I kept emailing them to see if I ordered the wrong one but they wouldnt respond,after 4 emails I gave up & it was at my doorstep. I kind of like the metal re-enforcement bars since the bumper is basically made of plastic. At this time I think I will make a cardboard pattern and cut the slots out. Im going to try a cut off wheel on my die grinder for cuttting in the sides but not quite sure on the bottom cut,I will have to think about that part. It looks like it was done with a grinder but knowing my luck I will slip and gouge it or something. I was surprised it was painted and everything.

Thanks for the help guys..

 

The job is done and it went really smooth. I made a cardboard pattern & marked it out with a paint pen. I cut the sides in with a cut off wheel then just plunged in with a burr bit to cut across the bottom. Total time was about 30 minutes. I’m pleased with the end result. Now I can go on to my next project,heres some more pictures. QA1 shocks are next on the list.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Just watch your exhaust tips, that's the only trouble I see with having them too tight to the car!

I have a ANSA like that on mine..

But I agree, the US mounting hangs them out past the line in the bumper obviously intended to mate to the shroud lines...yours looks great!

I also agree the bumper standards were advancing thru the years even in the Euro countries....no specific knowledge though.

 

Thanks for the compliment,I never thought about the exhast tips...glad you brought that to my attention. I will be very careful backing up,I can see where that could get costly too.