Hi guys,

What is the "factory" way of attaching the rear bumper? I've got various options, but don't really want to drill holes through it.

I'm also thinking about filling it with PU foam before fitting to give a little more impact resistance. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Woulg the foam be strong enough to hold some fixing brackets?

Cheers

The Midas i used to have had the bumpers filled with foam, it certainly seemed to make them more rigid. Windows get stuck in with that stuff Sooo i suppose it would be capable of holding brackets

If you offer up the bumper you will see there is a flange at the front top edge which tucks under the ledge just below the number plate area. I think you're supposed to drill and bolt through in this area. You may need to trim the bumper moulding where it wraps round the edge of the body.

I also used a couple of brackets from the bottom edge of the bumper forward to the subframe. This stops it rocking about.

I don't think the foam will be strong enough but a lot of my car is glued together with a structural adhesive designed for GRP. I also used it to glue on various brackets. It is Araldite 2015 and comes as a pair of 500g tins or a double tube. Strictly speaking you are supposed to use a special gun for the tubes but you can poke it out with a stick if you want. The mixing ratio is 1:1 and pot life is 20 - 40 minutes.

What i'm thinking is to use some of my super silicone to glue in a piece of GRP unistrut across the inside width of the bumper, then take off 2 more pieces at right angles to bolt to a bracket on the rear end - then fill it all in with foam.

I'm also toying with the idea of fitting empty drinks cans in there - as they have excellent slow-crush properties under impact.

I've used 2015 somewhere in the past - but I remember it being expensive. Much better to use free silicone methinks.

Oh, and BTW, Glasplies at Southport? has just been bought out - and I distantly know the new owner - I'll see if I can wangle anything.