[mrennie]

Hello,

I am thinking ahead to the installation of the front end as well as rear bumper after I complete the cut & buff on the remaining panels.

I am looking for advice on what could/should be pre-assembled to the endura bumper and rear bumper prior to installation, in case it makes things easier for me.

Example:

Front endura, is it advisable or helpful to preinstall the grilles and headlights panels, lamp buckets, headlights, headlight bezels etc. onto the endura first, or better to install the endura bare and add all of these items later?

For the rear bumper, should anything be preinstalled on the bumper first or is this better done after installation?

Thanks

[tjs72lemans]

On my 72, It made most sense to tape around rear paint area and install bumper first. I found I needed the tail light cavities to aid in bumper bolt assembly. The front endura I also installed bare. But, since my headlight assemblies are separate (which I installed first), I'll let others lead on that.

[1965gp]

Remember to wrap towels around the ends of the rear bumper- I used painters tape to wrap the towels and keep them on the bumper . Really makes it easier when you aren’t as worried about scratching the paint.

[jarretts70]

I spent most of the Christmas holiday fitting my Endura. It was badly bent & I had to beat it back into shape (no easy task). Here's my thoughts based on that...

I would not assemble the Endura completely for a couple reasons. It's already heavy as hell, and any weight you can keep off of it makes it easier to manage. As well, with the grilles out you can reach thru the openings to bolt everything together.

My car is still in the final prep stage so I wasn't too worried about scratching paint. On a painted car I would defiantly want a helper. I bolted the frame brackets & upper reinforcement to the car but only finger tight. Then I hoisted the endura up & onto the brackets, also finger tight. Used blocks & floor jack to get it in final place & snugged it down. With a helper you could do it without the blocks & save the paint.