What were they thinking...?

[Ratpin]

So I pulled the rear bumper off of my '64 suburban since it had a pretty good hit on it right about where it attached to the frame. On the suburbans the bumper actually bolts right to the end of the frame horn. Once I saw how it was mounted I realized I would need to cut the bolt heads off to remove it. Why you ask? Because the PO did this...





Now I just need to figure a way to bolt the new bumper on. I would rather not cut the crossmember off since I do plan to tow with this in the future, and while I may be able to drill a hole and do some extra clearancing on the piece of C-channel, I am worried I would weaken it significantly.

Any good ideas from the brain trust?

[joedoh]

it almost looks like you could get there over top of the c channel with a long extension and a wobble?

[pimpston65]

Originally Posted by joedoh

it almost looks like you could get there over top of the c channel with a long extension and a wobble?

my 66 burban had a crossmember welded in the same spot, i will be cutting the bolt heads and incorrect crossmember out!!! darn hitch support...

[Ratpin]

Tried it. Nowhere near enough room without doing some significant cutting.

[jonzcustomshop]

I don't think a 2 inch hole* (with a hole saw) would weaken it too much.
*or whatever size you need to get a 3/4 socket through there*
then you would have access to the lower bolts.
remember brand new bolts are much easier to put together, you should just need the wrench or socket for the final tightening.

[Ratpin]

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

I don't think a 2 inch hole* (with a hole saw) would weaken it too much.
*or whatever size you need to get a 3/4 socket through there*
then you would have access to the lower bolts.
remember brand new bolts are much easier to put together, you should just need the wrench or socket for the final tightening.

That was what I was thinking. I will also need to cut part of the top "C" out to have access to the top bolt.

It's weird because neither of my bumpers front or back have any other support brackets. The bumper just has the nut bolt and nut through those holes fastened to nothing.

It's also a class V 2 1/2" hitch receiver which I found interesting. Must have hauled something big at some time.

[aerotruk63]

QUOTE: It's also a class V 2 1/2" hitch receiver which I found interesting. Must have hauled something big at some time.

Or got it for free, or someone gave it to him, or a flea market find.
Cut it off and get a new receiver. The frame dimensions are the same from 63 up to 87?
Might have to drill some new holes. Cleaner install and easier to do maintenance.

While your present receiver is 2 1/2" the truck simply does not have that towing capacity. There are more options available when you have a 2" receiver.

[lowlife4life]

Weld the nut?
I've been working 12hrs. Disregard that lol