Is there a specific bracket i need to search for, or fab up for an 83-86 bumper support?
The fog lights that cam on my TC Bumper are busted to hell, i couldnt even figure out how to remove them at the yard.
I just went out and after awkward wrenching, I got the bolt at the top inside of the bumper support...
I dont see it even possible to remove with the lights with the bumper installed?
The one good one i found awhile back on an 87-88 just bolted from the back of the light housing.
Whats the deal here?
1983-86 Cougar/T-Bird fog lamp brackets are not easy to find now, and never really were. You really cannot successfully use other Ford brackets as they don't have the correct angles for our bumpers. And the way that they're stamped, I don't see how they could be duplicated without a lot of effort. The 1987-88 brackets don't fit the older bumper cores.
On the underside of your stock steel bumper, there is a "ridge" going the length of the metal. The brackets will have a corresponding "hump" that mates with the ridge. That's how they get lined up, front to back. From there it's just a side-to-side adjustment, easily done with the bumper cover installed. It is possible to install the brackets on bumper cores that never had the correct factory mounting holes, if you use good self-tapping screws.
I agree with Eric. The 83-86 brackets are different than the 87-88. You can certainly utilize the brackets with a non TC bumper core. I did the self tapping screw thing and it worked quite nicely. He is exactly corret on how to line up the brackets, too. Very easy.
Those brackets are a bit hard to come by. You can utilize this site and put a thread in the wanted section. That usually works best. This is the best, easiest, cheapest way to find them. You can use a site like car-part.com or ebay.com but expect to pay upwards of 85-100 for the pair shipped. I found a pair on this site for considerably less. I purcahsed the seat belts for next to the seat, the fog brackets, and a washer fluid container for $65 shipped.... so be patient. You'll find them.
I would think that i wouldn't be to hard to make some.All in all it is just a C shaped bracket that bolts to the bumper. If you want that all stock look keep looking but if that doesn't matter to you. Fab some up. Atleast if you fab some they will be made to work with non-factory style lights. I had to make a bracket for the Fog light bracket to mount the aftermarket ones I put on.
Hmm... Bummer.
Well thanks for the info and advice guys, I'll work something out.
I've got a TC and Regular Bumper Core to work with.
And the cover and header will be sporting some primer for awhile, so no worries about messing any paint finnish up if i need to remove the front at all again in the future.
I don't mind trying to fab something up, that could later be removed and replaced with the factory brackets if i find some.
What all makes/models came with the factory brackets that work with an 83-86 bumper?
And does any have any pictures of the factory brackets?
Or even ones they made?
And is there any brackets on any other makes/models that would work (even with some modification)?
I may have a stock pair that will be available for purchase. PM me if interested.
There was a 86 TC at the salvage yard that still had the brackets on it as of Aug 23. I'll try and get back next weekend to look at them closer. If you still are in need of the brackets let me know.
Sorry about the late reply.
Privateer~
Yea i still need them.
If you can still get them, How much would you want for them?
And thanks for trying to hook me up 85Bird, Sorry your deal fell through. That's so lame of the seller. >.<
Sorry, I haven't been able to make it back to the yard yet, should be able to go this Saturday the 6th so I'll let you know how much they want.
Yeah, man... I wish it would have worked out for the both of us; and I feel bad I couldn't help ya out. sorry! Oh well, you take the good sellers with the bad.
I hope you get the brackets, man.
Later
Sounds good, Thanks.
And thanks 85bird.
Romeo2K, I just want to verify these are what you are looking for. I'll post a couple pics of the brackets and the car they came off of is an 85 XR7. I also pulled the brackets of the 86 Turbo Coupe but they seem to be bent a little, but are the same as the XR7 ones.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3261/2852465267_b03b050f69.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2852465349_945dd6212c.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/2852465121_8b3e123459.jpg)
pic n pull off 33rd? did you see that black 86 turbo coupe?
Yup thats the place, and saw that black TC. Wish I spoke Spanish I could probably get much better deals, seems like I'm always paying more than the posted price list for stuff.:confused:
I know the guy that owns pull n save just off 201(21st south) and 7200 west in magna.