i have a 71 z. the bolt that holds the bumper that goes around the passenger side of the car fell out. i tried to get in there but the gas tank is right there. how do you put a new bolt on?

The easiest way is to jack the car up a bit which gives you more room between the tire and the wheel arch. It's still a tight fit but you can do it with a bit of patience.

There is actually an inspection type plate that unbolts from wheel well in front of the gas tank. It's held in by 3 or 4 phillips head screws. get that off and it's easy street to the bumper bolt.

There is actually an inspection type plate that unbolts from wheel well in front of the gas tank. It's held in by 3 or 4 phillips head screws. get that off and it's easy street to the bumper bolt.

Interesting ... I don't have one of those. I'll have to take a close look and see if there are any empty screw holes.

i hope i have one of those. i am going to look after diner..tks guys

Interesting ... I don't have one of those. I'll have to take a close look and see if there are any empty screw holes.

Mike:

If your car has undercoating, the inspection panel is sometimes hard to spot. If it's "missing" on your car, you'd see a big opening at the back of the wheelwell. I'll try to take a picture of mine to post later this evening.

Mike:

If your car has undercoating, the inspection panel is sometimes hard to spot. If it's "missing" on your car, you'd see a big opening at the back of the wheelwell. I'll try to take a picture of mine to post later this evening.

No need to take a picture; mine's obviously missing. There are clearly two holes where this panel used to attach. Interestingly enough I don't see the equivalent holes on the driver's side. Was this panel only on the gas filler side?

Yep, defintely missing.

Correct. Only on the Passenger-side. Mainly used to access the fuel filler hose connection at the gas tank. A appropriately sized piece of sheet metal can be shaped to fit as a replacement. Probably would need to drill new holes to mount it unless you can match to the old oles. The original is secured by 4 sheet metal screws.

If want me to try to make a paper pattern from mine for you to try to make one, let me know. I'd be glad to do so.

Yep, defintely missing.

Correct. Only on the Passenger-side. Mainly used to access the fuel filler hose connection at the gas tank.

It seems to me that it's mainly used to prevent you from accessing the fuel filler hose (and bumper bolt). Perhaps it's really there to keep dirt and other debris from getting caked on in those areas?

I may consider asking you for that paper template at some point in the future, but, like my glovebox, I went almost 20 years without and a little longer isn't going to hurt.

I HAVE MINE OFF AT THE MOMENT . If you want a paper template it would be a snap to make one . The sheet metal is there to protect the filler hose from rocks and debris thrown by the tire. I have mine off because I pulled the tank to do body work on the rear vallance and to also eliminate the evap. tank .

Mike (& Gary):

I already made a template for Mike and will be sending it out to him tomorrow.

:paranoid: :paranoid: :paranoid:

Inspection Panel or No Inspection Panel, have a packet of band aids with you to doctor up the skinned knuckles.

Rick.

:devious: :devious: :devious: