13 replies to this topic

[WillCarter]

I found that the front bumper had come loose on one side due to one of the thread bars/bolts whatever you want to call them had come off. I decided to just take it off and drive it debumpered. I had a few people
over time saying I could get in trouble/fail my MoT due to the sharp edge and lack of bumper. Firstly is this true and secondly if so then would a simple bit of rubber arch trim in the edge suffice? I know this has been asked a lot but is seems to be very debatable with no clear definitive answer. I also thought that no grille looked pretty cool too but perhaps a bit too far. Anyway thanks for any replies!

Edited by WillCarter, 18 September 2017 - 08:53 PM.

[nicklouse]

yes it is a sharp edge which is why the flange is removed when de bumpering.

 

 

arch trim may not be enough.

[WillCarter]

I're thought about that but obviously the trouble with doing that is that if I ever wanted to sell it then the buyer would most likely want a bumpered car. Perhaps it's not worth the trouble. I might also look into bumper alternatives other than the plane curved chrome.

[imack]

The police could probably you for sharp edges left by removing the bumper if the mounting flange remains but as far as the mot is concerned sharp edges have to be caused by damage or corrosion. If you choose to remove a bumper and leave a sharp edge then that sharp edge hasn't been caused by damage or corrosion so would have to be passed and advised. You could also add cowhorns or other sharp objects to the front of the car and again pass and advise. On the other hand a damaged front bumper or a rust hole in a wing causing sharp edges could fail

[Swift_General]

Potentially you could be prosecuted. Probably easier to repair your old one or get a new bumper.

Edited by Swift_General, 18 September 2017 - 10:41 PM.

[Cooperman]

Years ago I wanted to remove the bumpers to save weight on a rally car, but realised that for future Group 2 use I would need the bumpers back on.

 

So I got some garden hose, cut two pieces the right length, slit them so that they would slip over the flanges and held them in place with tie-wraps through the bolt holes. 

 

That is entirely legal, saves the weight and complies with C & U regulations.

[WillCarter]

Sounds good and doesn't mean I have to cut the flange off! I'll give that a go, thanks! Thank you everyone, you've all been a big help!

[Ethel]

You can take your cue off how the factory covered the sharp edges of the external seams and sills,

[Cooperman]

You can buy nice bright yellow hose at Homebase which looks good and increases visibility. In which case use white tie-wraps.

Post a photo when you have done this. The advantage is that you can re-fit the bumpers in a few minutes if you wish to.

[1984mini25]

Or you could do as the yellow Britax coopers, and use chrome sill trim instead of rubber sill or garden hose.

[WillCarter]

Looked them up, fhey are nice!

[WillCarter]

You can buy nice bright yellow hose at Homebase which looks good and increases visibility. In which case use white tie-wraps.

Post a photo when you have done this. The advantage is that you can re-fit the bumpers in a few minutes if you wish to.

going along with the hose route, would it have to be highly visible like the yellow hose you mentioned or would a black hose be ok to use? 

Edited by WillCarter, 26 October 2017 - 12:13 PM.

[Cooperman]

Black is fine. Think how many cars have black bumpers.

[WillCarter]

True, just had an 'oh yeah' moment, silly me! I'll post a pic when I've done it. Think my Dad's got some old yellow hose knocking around somewhere too, might see what that looks like.