Rear bumper gap...

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scoutsout

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Nov 14, 2021
14
14
3
Still learning a lot about my new to me G body (1979 Cutlass Supreme). The body is pretty solid, but this gap where the rear bumper meets the rear quarter panel drives me crazy. Looking at other cars, it seems to be pretty standard, but I have to assume it's there for a reason, as in maybe there's another bumper for this body style that fits differently based on trim package? Does anyone know how, or has anyone done anything to tighten up this gap? I plan to pull the bumper this weekend and figure out if anything can be removed to sit i more flush, but in the interim, does anyone have any info about this?

Screen Shot 2022-01-14 at 1.29.02 PM.png
 
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Max Headroom

Master Mechanic
Sep 8, 2011
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There were narrow plastic filler panels between the sheet metal under the trunk and the bumper. They tend to bake and crack over about 20 years. A lot of people take them off (or they fall off) and wait till they can get new ones to replace. This may be your issue.
 

oldsmobile joe

Royal Smart Person
Nov 12, 2015
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Still learning a lot about my new to me G body (1979 Cutlass Supreme). The body is pretty solid, but this gap where the rear bumper meets the rear quarter panel drives me crazy. Looking at other cars, it seems to be pretty standard, but I have to assume it's there for a reason, as in maybe there's another bumper for this body style that fits differently based on trim package? Does anyone know how, or has anyone done anything to tighten up this gap? I plan to pull the bumper this weekend and figure out if anything can be removed to sit i more flush, but in the interim, does anyone have any info about this?

View attachment 190235
Looks factory to me. If you don't like the look, get some shorter bumper shocks and tuck the bumpers in.
But keep this in mind. Right know the bumper is proportionally sticking out the back side side as it is sticking out the side. When you start tucking that bumper, it will make the side gap stand out even more.
Been there , done that.
Also, these are what is called 5mph bumpers. if you do tuck the bumper, and were ever to get tapped in the rear, the shorted bumper shocks will cause the bumper to travel far enough to damage the quarter panels.
 
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carnutjw

G-Body Guru
Sep 17, 2017
622
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Yea, you're missing some pieces. There is still a considerable gap between the bumper and tail lights, but not just a hole. This is the only rear shot I have of my car (right after I bought it in 2017). The piece (or pieces) run all the way across the bumper and under the license plate. I would bet that Donovan has some content on this subject in his Olds Cool build.
IMG_1447.JPG
 
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Rktpwrd

Builder of Cool Shjt
Supporting Member
Feb 2, 2015
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Here’s what you should have. The bumper gaps stock on the 78-80 cars were never as nice as the later 81 and up, but this is how they should look.

03177CF6-6C54-4340-A615-4EEA940FD3BF.jpeg


9A9F1EF5-9E05-4C71-A4B9-891BBAB33A4F.jpeg


4A84F990-22CF-44B4-9F6A-BB2A84C0D9AD.jpeg


6BE883F8-B1D8-4556-B92F-A0AEB73EFDDD.jpeg
 
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carnutjw

G-Body Guru
Sep 17, 2017
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scoutsout

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Nov 14, 2021
14
14
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Thanks everyone. Definitely looks like I'm missing the trim piece that wraps around between the bottom, the truck deck, and the rear quarters. Anyone have any clue what that piece may be called? Looks like it might be this piece from Dixie.
 

Rktpwrd

Builder of Cool Shjt
Supporting Member
Feb 2, 2015
4,150
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Thanks everyone. Definitely looks like I'm missing the trim piece that wraps around between the bottom, the truck deck, and the rear quarters. Anyone have any clue what that piece may be called? Looks like it might be this piece from Dixie.

Not even close, that’s for a Monte Carlo in your link. The pieces you need are multiple and look like this before they’re assembled:

D4B365D7-AA26-47CE-99F6-C706832FD1C2.jpeg


B5192812-D5A9-4198-9601-1A66CCD9A21D.jpeg


485CB2AD-A870-4263-8F28-31BFA4E918EA.jpeg


Good used pieces from a junkyard or eBay or from a member here are your best bet. There is at least one aftermarket company reproducing them but I can’t remember their name nor vouch for their quality.
 
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JAMCAR223

Royal Smart Person
Jun 6, 2014
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