How to Install a Front Bumper on a 1968 Camaro

After the success of Chevrolets introduction of the 1967 Camaro, the 1968 models were understandably little-changed. Small improvements were made, including the way the thin, chrome front bumper -- which looked identical to the previous model on the exterior -- was attached to the car. Although designed to protect the front of the car, the slightest frontal impact may cause damage to the original bumper. Replacement bumpers manufactured by aftermarket companies are made for your 1968 Camaro. Installing a shiny, new bumper will spruce up the front of your car.

Instructions

1

Remove the screws from the front license plate with a Phillips screwdriver, then remove the plate. Reach under the center of the front bumper and remove the two nuts from the bolts that secure the license plate bracket to the center of the bumper with a socket, three-inch extension and ratchet. Remove the washers from the underside of the bolts, then pull the bolts straight out of the top of the bumper.

2

Place a socket, six-inch extension and ratchet on the nut on the underside of the one of the outer corners of the front bumper. Twist the nut off and remove it, the washer and the rubber cushion from the underside of the corner bracket. Pull the bumper bolt straight out of the top of the bumper. Remove the nut, washer, cushion and bolt from the opposite corner of the bumper in the same manner. Note that the remaining half of each of the cushions will remain in between the underside of the bumper and the corner bracket.

3

Place a socket, six-inch extension and ratchet on the nut located on the bracket that attaches the bumper to the front drivers side frame rail -- located underneath the bumper. Twist the nut off the bumper bolt. Remove the nut and the washer from underneath the bumper. Remove the bolt from the top of the bumper. Have a helper hold the bumper in place and remove the nut, washer and bolt from the remaining bumper bracket.

4

Carefully slide the bumper away front the front of the car, using care not to let the ends of the bumper make contact with the painted surface of the front fenders and valance. Remove the bumper from the car.

5

Check the corner brackets to ensure the remaining half of rubber cushions not removed previously are still in place. Push the cushions back into place on the corner brackets if they fell out during removal of the bumper.

6

Use a helper to position the front bumper onto the front of the car. Carefully slide the bumper into place, using care not to let the bumper touch painted surfaces. Have the helper hold the bumper in place once the mounting holes in the bumper line up with the mounting holes in the brackets.

7

Insert the two center bumper bolts through the holes in the bumper and into the mounting holes in the license plate bracket. Place the washers and nuts on the opposite ends of the bolts. Tighten the nuts finder tight.

8

Insert the bumper bolts through the mounting hole in one of the corners of the bumper. Push the bolt through the cushion and the corner bracket. Push the other half of the cushion onto the threaded end of the bolt, followed by the washer and nut. Tighten the nut finger-tight. Install the bolt, cushion, washer and nut on the opposite side of the bumper in the same manner. Have the helper release the bumper.

9

Insert the bumper bolts through the holes in the bumper and through the brackets attached to the frame rails. Place a washer and nut onto the threaded end of each bolt. Tighten the bolts finger tight.

10

Slide the bumper slightly from side-to-side or front-to-back until it is centered on the car. Tighten the nuts on the center bracket with a socket and a torque wrench to 18 foot-pounds. Tighten the corner bracket nuts to 22 foot-pounds. Tighten the frame rail bracket nuts to 20 foot-pounds.

11

Replace the front license plate.