97 Cobra Front Bumper Alignment Help (lots of pictures)

[John Nich]

The way one side of the bumper sits lower than the other isn't right, and makes me think that the header panel brackets were mounted incorrectly. If i was going to fix it, I'd check those with a level. if they're not exactly straight horizontally, your bumper will look off. it seems like they were mounted not only cockeyed but too low by the body shop, not a bad fix, just drill into the rad support a new spot to put the speednut, bolt, and bracket.

If there's still a gap you can fix it "quick n' durty" by drilling two new holes on the header panel for the top of the bumper cover to rivet into, ..further back than the original holes.

Also, I'd go and get some new headlights, or at least corner lights, those don't match too well with the cobra lamps, you can get a set of clear cobras that match for like twenty bucks on ebay, and a whole set for seventy.

 

[uncltrvlnmatt]

Actually it doesnt rub, there is a lot of free play. I can put my finger under that and move the headlights up. The headlight is missing one of the adjustment screws. I've been kinda busy lately and haven't gotten around to getting the proper screws.

and uncltrvlnmatt, are you talking about the headlights?

To me it just looks like the bumper as a whole is off a bit.

 

[Dalamar]

Could also be a crappy replica Cobra bumper that was just made poorly. Def try the foam piece first.

i agree, i've seen that issue with aftermarket covers, the casting is short on that part.

 

[jumbowolfe]

Its funny I'm reading this now. I've noticed through the years that my front bumper seemed "droopy" compared to my Dad's 98'. I must have the same issue. When I first bought my car, I lightly rear-ended someone in the rain, and I think possibly I could have messed up that foam or possibly screwed up the alignment of my bumper cover as well. I'll try that foam too (someday) so thanks for sharing this. You may be able to see the larger gap on mine as well in my signature shot.

Mike

 

[YUNG VEEZU]

just ordered the foam piece! I should get it within a couple days. I'll take pics of everything when the bumper is off.

 

[YUNG VEEZU]

Finally got the foam piece last night, so I worked on it this morning.

Took the headlights and front bumper off with no problems. Here is how she looks under:

It was very windy today, so my friend was freezing his ass off. So this is what the car looks like under the bumper. I'm by no means a body expert, but everything on the car looked fine to me. Nothing looked bent at all.

The foam piece fit perfect, however it had nothing to hold it. So I took Tony's advice and use a lot of duck tape. We used two rolls of duck tape in the end.

I don't have an after picture, because the car looks exactly the same. Any more input is welcome. If I have time this week I'm gonna take it to a body shop to see whats really going on.