Rear bumper shocks

[Locus2298]

Hey guys, new here. So I have this Montecarlo CL 1986. I just adquired it. Checking the back of the car I saw that the bumper it's not aligned with the bottom of the reverse lights. So I dissassembled the whole thing and to my surprise, the rear driver's side bumper shock it's a little bit more retracted than the one of the passenger's side.

Mi question is, is it possible to stretch that absorber once again? If it is, how can I do it? If not, what other solution there is?. And also, how do I align the bumper correctly once I assemble everything?

 

[565bbchevy]

If you can't get the shock to back out you can always use some metal plates to even it out with the passenger side.
Maybe try a big pry first to get some leverage to pull it out, on my Regal I used 3/8" threaded rod and nuts to retract my bumper shocks because they were too far out for my new front spoiler to fit right .but you could use a similar set up as a spreader to try to push it out slowly.

 

[rfpowerdude]

Yes, I've used hydraulic tools to force them back into place (loosen the set bolts). Did it in the last coupla years on the Cream Car. Harbor Freight has a tool kit. This is the one that I have:

Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977

Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Locus2298]

If you can't get the shock to back out you can always use some metal plates to even it out with the passenger side.
Maybe try a big pry first to get some leverage to pull it out, on my Regal I used 3/8" threaded rod and nuts to retract my bumper shocks because they were too far out for my new front spoiler to fit right .but you could use a similar set up as a spreader to try to push it out slowly.

I tried with a scissor lift jack between the steel inner bumper and the frame off the car very close to the absorber. It didn't even moved it a quarter of an inch, and the jack got bend haha. I'm going to remove the steel bumper and put some of the old fire to it to see if it moves a bit or I'm going to do the plates trick.

 

[Locus2298]

Yes, I've used hydraulic tools to force them back into place (loosen the set bolts). Did it in the last coupla years on the Cream Car. Harbor Freight has a tool kit. This is the one that I have:

Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977

Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!

www.harborfreight.com

Excellent idea, but on low budget right now unfortunately.

 

[JimmyCamino]

I pounded on one with a BFH and it didn't budge. I have two left over from when I redid my El Camino, don't remember details of what application they specifically came from, you can have them for the cost of shipping if you want. LMK if you are interested and I'll get the specs off them.

 

[Locus2298]

I pounded on one with a BFH and it didn't budge. I have two left over from when I redid my El Camino, don't remember details of what application they specifically came from, you can have them for the cost of shipping if you want. LMK if you are interested and I'll get the specs off them.

Well, I appreciate the offer, however I have the car in Costa Rica, so I'm a little bit limited on resources right now. However I will let you know as soon as possible. It's not a big deal, I can use a block of wood to equal the length on both sides

 

[JimmyCamino]

Roger.

 

[403Olds]

I've put the mounting bracket in a vice, and twisted the bumper bracket back and forth to get it to come back out.