85 Cutlass Bumper

[85SupremeCutlass]

Can someone please point me in the right direction? My bumper doesn't sit flush with the bottom of the grilles on my Cutlass. It looks like it's lifted in the middle somewhere. I can't see any obstructions or obvious bends anywhere. Has this been a problem for anyone else? Where should I start?

Thanks in advance. And BTW, I'm thrilled to find this site. It looks to be filled with awesome info.

 

[81Regal]

WELCOME!
First thing to try it looks like is take the licence plate bracket off and try to push down, there is some adjustment there.
Second it doesn't look like the grills are sitting square in the openings, loosen up the 3 bolts on the back of each grill and give them a bit of a twist.
Nice cutlass, it looks like the same color as my 84.

 

[username]

Alot of times the urethane bumper covers are droopy from years of weathering or like 81Regal said try to adjust the grills.If your bumper was somehow lifted in the middle there would be signs of damage that would be noticable elsewhere.Its just an illusion because the grills and cover arent squared up to the bumper.

 

[Blake442]

There is a bracket for the header panel behind the center divider between the grills that attaches to the core support. It must be bent.

When adjusted properly, the area between the grilles will push out, thus allowing the bumper cover to come far enough forward to fully wrap over the top of the bumper, and fasten securely behind the license plate.

 

[85SupremeCutlass]

Thanks for all the speedy responses everyone. I tried loosening up the bolts behind the grilles and that seemed to help a little. The license plate bracket definitely wasn't the problem. But I'm definitely going to try to adjust the header panel. That seems like it could be it to me, also considering I always thought that it was a little high in the center anyways. Again, thanks for everyone's help. I think as soon as I sell my other car I'm going to be on the market for a 455 rocket for this beast.