DIY Rear Bumper Bracket Repair: 1997 Volvo 855 GLT

[perly]

On the top of the bumper, I can't tell whether or not the newly painted bumper cover butts up to the white painted edge of the metal body below the tailgate. Could you please post a "top down" picture showing where the bumper cover meets the body of the care. Mine was knocked down so far, I believe it bent the ends of the chassis where the brackets are attached. The tabs that hold that part of the chassis are no longer flush with the upper chassis. So I can't tell how it originally looks. Thanks.

[Ben850]

I wonder if the bumper brackets are galvanized with a layer of zinc to prevent corrosion? The new ones I installed last summer had a top coating of black paint -- I couldn't tell if they were galvanized or not.

Not sure about that either, but I have a set of 850 bumper brackets I had purchased, brand new for the '93 sedan to fix a sagging/broken bracket issue, I had thought.

So, in doing that, I found another of those special differences in the '93-'94.5, Alter I body. The brackets are completely different.
I still have the new brackets, pictured here. These are Alter II type. I am not sure if they are galvanized under the paint, but I know the originals were one of the only rusty things I had really found on this car.

I can only think it has something to do with the aluminum reinforcement bar, combined with another three different metals in its attachment.

I had already replaced the '93 bumper with another one in better shape.

Now, I have a very nice Alter II style rear bumper that I had picked up from one of the yards last year. So I will Use the new brackets for it.
Then you will really not know it is a '93 after this treatment.

[bob850]

I am going to do this soon. Any more specific info on the fix for water drainage (drilling hole, cutting, etc.)?

[erikv11]

The experience so far is that with or without a drain hole no difference, the brackets still rust out over time. If you are working on a 96 or 97 then it will likely already have the holes like in the picture above from a 95.

[Ben850]

The experience so far is that with or without a drain hole no difference, the brackets still rust out over time. If you are working on a 96 or 97 then it will likely already have the holes like in the picture above from a 95.

The best you can try, is to isolate the different metals via, silicone/plastic washers. I have new mounts for the T-5R sedan.
I had intended to install a '96 white bumper in place of the '93 bumper.

After looking at my '93 the last few years, I am happy with the unusual (not intended by the designers) appearance.
Namely, Alter-I headlights, Alter II bumper front.
Keeping alter-I rear bumper. It gives the car a level look.

Anyway, I believe the instigator of rust in the situation, is the mount itself. It is a stamped piece of steel, lightly coated with cheap black paint.
That is all for now.

[JBMorris]

Big help this thread.
Just went thru it for my '00 xc 70.

New brackets & a bunch of hassel at first to get all to fit a rusty replacement here in NE.

Had to insert 'stand off' washers behind the new brackets for all to align.

'Ditched the rivet's for 6 new 'blind' body bolts 6 mm setup with some drilling- very nice.

Thanks to all !

[jreed]

Thanks for the positive feedback! Much appreciated and I'm glad to hear that you got your bumper aligned.

[sanfelice]

Do you think dropping the exhaust is necessary?

I have an aftermarket exhaust on a '00 V70R and dropping that would be a PITA.

Thanks

[jreed]

If you can lower the exhaust system a bit and push the tailpipe to the side, that might give enough clearance to remove the bolt holding the bracket to the car body.

[erikv11]

The exhaust setup near the bumper could be pretty different on a '00 R, I might wait to hear from someone who has one.