1970-2 vs 1973 rear bumper brackets
 

Until I can find a usable set of '73 rear bumper brackets, can one use the '70-2 repro brackets and mount it?

Never done it but I can’t imagine way you couldn’t

Yup. I've done it and they fit fine.

Good to know. Hopefully I can find the correct one(s) to replace. Maybe only the nut retainers are missing.

The big gotcha with the brackets is if they aren't straight to begin with they are a bear to try to fix. I'd say keep the early set on until you can find a near perfect set to save yourself some headaches.

No one will notice you have the early brkts. Unless of course you tell them.

The quarter panel side brackets sat on 4 "Paint insulators" as we called them at the dealer. One for each bolt, 2 per side.
Factory ones ( you can see them in assy manual, and Parts too), were a thin foam. These did do the job of protecting the factory paint the first time bumper was installed.
The big clips on these side brackets can easily make a deep scratch and let any water to the metal ( even a hand wash in driveway) .
A couple remedies I have used are Electrical tape, and Gorilla tape cut into squares. The originals were a slight sticky back.
We had a roll of whatever GM sent us, but it was about as rugged as the foam.
SO, If you have some fresh paint, I would recommend Protecting it!

good advice, but to late for me :mad:

73 Rear Brackets
 

Mike, I have an extra set of the taller brackets off a 73 Firebird.
Send me a PM.

Already have some squares made...

I swap the end brackets side to side it allows you to get a wrench in from the bottom to give that extra little movement to tweak the bumper fit/tilt on the ends

Anyone know what the OE plating/paint is on the brackets?

does anyone have length measurements to identify which is which?

Asking for a friend who might have brackets, but doesn't know how to identify one from the other.

I have a few sets, but not right here in front of me. The DO have Part numbers, which I would look at because I have seen used ones as a "mixed" set, which isnt good.

What did you choose to make them out of Mike? My Buddys 70 will be needing some, and he wants more than my 2 options, TY

Never new the 73 were different .what was the reason

the bumper standards changed for 1973.

That's why:
1) 1973 cars have a different front bumper
2) all 1973 cars had rear bumperettes

Yes makes sense now thanks for your reply

The 73 Firebird bumpers were spaced about 1" further away from the body for collision protection.
(if I remember correctly)

No actual lengths yet, but the difference was around an inch. Stamped part numbers (if readable) is 477xxx for the 1970-2 and 488xxx for the 1973. If still on the bumper, I would look for the dimples on the brackets around the license plate. I circled things that may indicate a '73 set.


This thread may help too.
https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...d.php?t=767670