quick latch install on front bumper?

[DSG2003Mach1]

Ive been thinking about this for a bit and I've got a 99/01 front bumper with bad mounting tabs/no bracket. If you do the quick latch buttons do you even need that bracket? Anyone have a link to a write up on using 2 per side? I did find the write up here where they used one per side and kept the bracket w/ studs.

for reference:
Front bumper Quik-latch install

all the intercooler piping makes getting to those nuts a real pain in the ass

 

[Slow 99]

I'd think if you go with quick latches, just re use the slots on the fenders to bolt them through and just get rid of the bracket on the bumper. You may have to drill out the holes a bit to make them accept the threaded portion of the quick latch but I don't see a need for the bracket unless bumper alignment is going to be an issue. Retaining the brackets would kinda defeat the purpose of the latches.

 

[DSG2003Mach1]

I'd think if you go with quick latches, just re use the slots on the fenders to bolt them through and just get rid of the bracket on the bumper. You may have to drill out the holes a bit to make them accept the threaded portion of the quick latch but I don't see a need for the bracket unless bumper alignment is going to be an issue. Retaining the brackets would kinda defeat the purpose of the latches.

That was my thought. I have two cobra bumpers that both need painting and one has ****ed up brackets so why not keep that one and get more for the other one with good brackets

Running two latches per side seems like it would take care of the alignment issues

 

[Blkkbgt]

My only concern would be the bumper moving around just enough to jack up the paint on the bumper.

Using two latches they shouldn't move but we're talking about a plastic bumper that flexes.

 

[DSG2003Mach1]

for what it's worth ended up leaving the bracket, the studs locate everything and the single quik latch holds it in place. I really prefer the look of the single latch. Unless you pull it in so tight it's difficult to disengage the quik latch they just dont hold as tight as using the nuts on the back side anyway.

the only thing Id add to the post I linked is that I ended up drilling a second 3/4" hole in the metal bracket on the bumper - the first hole I drilled dead center in line with the hole in the fender itself. The second hole is towards the rear of the car then I used a cutoff wheel to cut out the little piece of metal in the middle - basically made an oval shaped slot. When you're putting the bumper on the quik latch stud would hit the bracket and push it out, made it a little more difficult to slide into place. The slot takes care of that.

Also I found it much easier to set the depth using the supplied non-locking nuts then once I had it set up I put a locking nut on the backside of the stud so that nut cant back off.