MTFCA Forum

What’s the opinion/experience with bumpers?

I’m restoring at 26 Fordor and considering adding front and rear Lang bumpers.

Advice?

THANKS

They look good, and being factory accessory are fine addition. Handy for pushing and pulling the T. Do add a tad of overall length, but in the garage are good protection. ‘Bout the only downside found on my touring is handcranking is handicapped....but that’s what the elec. starter is for

I have an original ford set on my 26 coupe and love them. They do hinder your ability to hand crank the engine, but that won't be an issue since you have a starter.

Stephen

I had an original after-market front bumper on my first boat-tail roadster. The car didn't have a starter, and I found it wasn't a problem for me once I figured the necessary contortion.

In my opinion the Fordor looks great with bumpers. I have a 1927 Fordor I am in the process of adding bumpers to now. The front bumper was no problem. The rear bumper brackets, on the other hand, WILL have to have some major modifications to make fit. The easiest thing to do is to mount them on an extra frame, for fitting, if you have one. You WILL have to bend the bumper bracket down an extra 1" to clear the back of the Fordor body.
If you would like you can send me an email. I can give you pictures and help with the process.

Next question: Split rear bumper or one piece? I’ve seen photos on line of each. Original Ford colorized promotions show a one piece which I prefer, but will the spare spare tire still fit with the reproduction fenders and brackets available?

From my experience, I’d suggest finding an original set of arms, and then get new stainless steel bars from Lang’s. They will buff up and look just like nickel.

I have a set of original Ford rear 1 pc. brackets.

I have 2 26 T's. One with bumpers and the other without. I have no problem hand cranking either one. The rear bumper is one piece and I have a spoke wheel and no problem with it fitting either. My car is a touring. It could be a problem with a roadster or coupe. My spare carrier slants outward at the top to conform to the contour of the body.
Norm

Any thoughts on the supplier purchased, non original ones? When I get closer to the finished 26/27 RPU refurbish, I'd like to install the front brackets with a wooden bumper to match the bed.

Dave

On the '27 touring found at swap the front and rear original bumper bar pairs, along with a pair of original front mount arms.

Took the pieces to the powder coater, who sandblasted and coated in shiny black. Did shape each bumper bar with a hammer in the vise to have all be approx. the same shape, removing years of 'hits' and bends I guess.

Only forgot to fit the original front mount arms.

So when mounted up, the front right sagged, so had to heat torch the arm on that side to get the right level look. That burned off some powder coat, but a spat of gloss black paint, and doesn't show....much.



For the rear, got the rear mount reproduction arms from the vendors, they are made very well in my comparison to the original front arms. And the rear just bolted up exactly right to the holes in the frame. Easy to do.

And those rear don't interfere with wheel removal, and do provide protection to fenders and perhaps pedestrians Here backing up doing the T 'blindfold' balloon breaks, T games, the folks in lawn chairs on the curb were running at this moment of photograph!

I have a set of originals ready to install on my early 1926 Touring but I have beehive Hasslers up front. They interfere with the brackets so I can't install them yet. Haven't figured out a solution yet. I'm wondering if my front spring is sagging and I need to replace. I seem to recall a change in the springs later in 1926? Perhaps I need a spacer? I don't know yet. On a different post, someone posted a pic with a front bumper and Hasslers. Up to now, that's the only car I've seen with both. One of these days, I need to figure out how to keep both.

I put a front bumper on my little pickup project,looks good.But in a shop or tight quarters,you walk in front and forget about it,it will take your dang knee cap about off. Or so it feels!