TR7/8 Bumper Removal

[David James]

As part of my ongoing projects with 7/8's I would like to dispense with the heavy bumpers.

I cannot believe that cars are raced with these still in place.

Anybody able to see problems removing the excessively heavy bumpers?

I have heard of heavy weights being required by design.

Is a tie rod required between the bumper mounts to prevent flexing?

Thanks in advance.

David

[Guest Wayne S]

The weights you speak of were added as they were supposed to reduce scuttle shake in convertibles. I would suggest that on a coupe you wouldn't notice any difference but with a softop you may well feel a reduction in rigidity if you pardon the phrase!

 

There are ways around this such as strut braces etc attached between turrets and back into the bulkhead , but worth checking the regulations on the racing you want to do as it may require them!!

 

Hope that helps....

[Alec Pringle]

The massive bumper core or armature of the Wedge was primarily designed to meet Federal regulations - in conjunction with the additional overrider construction incorporated in the bumper covers front and rear for the North American market. European cars made do with a less elaborate bumper cover, the style we are all familiar with, over the same core.

 

Whether or not such massive bumpers serve any purpose is a matter of opinion - many folks think not. A viewpoint that tends to be speedily revised after a close encounter with the scenery or the opposition . . . . . ask V8 Lady.

 

The additional weights in the ragtop (only) are there for a reason, not for the fun of it. BL were not given to adding costly extras for no purpose. As Wayne correctly observes, they were there as a counterbalance to reduce scuttle shake - and they do just that.

 

Competition cars, where the regulations permit, tend to dispense with the standard bumpers in favour of lightweight fibreglass 'silhouette' replicas - the crash protection factor being effectively reinstated by the fitment of a full rollcage.

 

At the risk of stating the obvious, removing a hefty chunk of weight from each end does have a certain influence on the handling and ride of the TR7, even more so on the TR8. It's not difficult to remove the bumpers, if you do so and install a temporary sidelight and indicator arrangement on the front, you'll soon enough feel what I mean.

 

Cheers,

 

Alec

[David James]

Many thanks chaps. Just what I wanted to hear.

Cheers David