VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 How do the bumper brackets attach

41 Master Deluxe 4dr.

The front bumper and brackets were in the trunk when I received the car. I have never seen them on the car. What hardware / bolts are needed to mount theses? I would like to have everything laid out in advance when putting them on. Also what one is right and what one is left? I think I know what one 'looks' right but we all know where assumptions lead.

They fit in the groove under the front valance panel and thence up alongside the chassis. There are two brackets that cover the gap once the brackets are in.

Best I recall a 1/2 inch bolt will not go through the arms and the chassis. I think it is a 7/16 but try several different sizes until you get a good fit.

As to direction of the bolts, think the split washer and nut are on the outside.

Good luck with it,

Best,

Charlie

BTW: Slip the seal (part # 3658832. These can be bought from FS, CofTFs and Steele, et al) on the arms before bolting them in place.

Spend some time web-surfing and look at postings of ”˜41 Chevy’s for sale. I often do that to see pictures of areas when I want to confirm how to assemble something.

Are the 2 parts of your brackets still together? If so, you have a head start on the process. Then it just becomes a question of which one fits on which side. Normally the brackets have a bend which will move the bumper higher or lower. It is pretty obvious when you do a trial fit.

The brackets most likely mount to the outer side of the front frame rail extensions. You can confirm that by laying the bumper and brackets on the floor in front of the car. When the holes in the brackets line up with the holes in the bumper, that will position the portion that attaches to the frame.

On most Chevy’s of this era the brackets are attached to the frame with 1/2” hardware. I normally install the bolt head to the outside which is on the face of the bracket. You have more room to install the bolt from the outside. Then a lock washer and nut go on the inside against the frame rail.

This might appear to be a simple process. My experience is that bumpers used to be really used as bumpers. So do not be surprised is things do not line up. I have had to use different approaches to make the brackets fit the bumper and maintain the profile of the bumper. This includes “adjusting” the brackets in a press, moving the outer mounting portion using a torch to heat a part of the bracket so we could bend it, and using extra washers as shims behind the bumper to make things fit.