Author Topic: 2 many holes in the rear bumper?  (Read 1183 times)

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Offline Europa73

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2 many holes in the rear bumper?
« on: Wednesday,May 17, 2017, 10:13:29 AM »
Hi there -


This may be another noob question of mine - but - can anyone let me know hat the 2 extra holes in the rear bumper are for?

The 2 closest holes to the center of the bumper.

I did post this in the wrong section - UGH - and a member commented that this is because of the number plate holes on the Mk1 Cortina. But on checking the car, there are also matching holes in the bodywork.

Just seems odd to have holes for no reason.

Has anyone thought of a good way to cover these up?

I was thinking of a rear view camera :-)

thanks,
also restoring 69 Elan +2 and driving a 1975 TR6

Offline 4129R

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Re: 2 many holes in the rear bumper?
« Reply #1 on: Wednesday,May 17, 2017, 10:24:50 AM »
The bumper is for a Mk 1 Ford Cortina, produced in millions in the early 60's. Chunky Chapman wanted a cheap supplier, so used the bumper, just like the front bumper is off a Ford Anglia 105E. He didn't care about the extra holes, which are needed for the number plate on a Cortina, he just wanted cheap chrome bumpers in around 5,000-10,000 units, which could be made to fit on the sports car profile, and didn't weigh too much.

Either plug them with black rubber grommets, or put chrome bolts on the holes.

Online Grumblebuns

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Re: 2 many holes in the rear bumper?
« Reply #2 on: Wednesday,May 17, 2017, 07:39:12 PM »
When I removed the rear bumpers for one of my former TCS, I remember having to drill out the pop rivets from the two center holes. My current TCS has some sort of clear plastic cover over the rivets, see photos.

Offline Europa73

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Re: 2 many holes in the rear bumper?
« Reply #3 on: Thursday,May 18, 2017, 08:08:35 PM »
Many thanks,

also restoring 69 Elan +2 and driving a 1975 TR6

Offline tedtaylor

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Re: 2 many holes in the rear bumper?
« Reply #4 on: Saturday,May 20, 2017, 03:38:42 PM »
When I removed the rear bumpers for one of my former TCS, I remember having to drill out the pop rivets from the two center holes. My current TCS has some sort of clear plastic cover over the rivets, see photos.

Those clear plastic nubs are correct and original with the car as sold to new owners.   Do not remove or discard them.
Very rare to find them on any cars much nowadays, but i have them on mine.... ;)
TED
"Driving a Lotus is a triumph of bravery over intelligence." Stirling Moss

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owned nearly 50 Lotus cars over the years!
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