74 Bumper Shocks

I am reinstalling the bumpers on my '74 Apollo. It has been a couple years since I have seen the car with bumpers and don't remeber it as being so hideous. It will look alright if I can tuck the bumpers in a couple inches. Has anyone depressurized bumper shocks from this era? I am worried about an explosive release. Thanks in advance for the advice.

I've never done it, but on my defunct BMW E21 site I'd posted instructions someone gave me on how to depressurize the bumper shocks. Basically, you drill a hole through the outer housing on each side, compress the shock (letting the fluid squeeze out), and once compressed you drill through the inner part and bolt it together in the compressed position.

Mythbusters did exploding bumper shocks. The only way they could get them to blow was to fill them with black powder. Even heating them with a torch wouldn't build enough pressure to make them blow.

Thanks. I think I'll try it. Seems that would be easier than fabricating a bracket.

+1 on drill a hole and push them in. Worked great on my 79 Rabbit.

I've drilled a hole into 1974 bumper shocks many times. Don't worry about it. When you break through, there will be a minor woosh, but nothing to worry about. Wear goggles.

yes. bumper shocks are not under any sort of hydrolic pressure.. and after 35 years, how much could there still be if they were?

drill the hole and after you compress the the shock the desired length tack weld it in a couple of spots so if you get hit the welds will break and the shock will compress

Working on a 1978 Nova we had come to the same conclusion - the front bumper needs to be tucked!

A trick I've used on 74 Novas is to take out the rear bumper shocks altogether. The bumper will bolt on with out them. FYI, 73 bumpers don't have shocks. If you can find one it might be an easier mod. 74 bumpers are HEAVY.

Thanks every one. Weather has been crappy, maybe this week end.

My parents one had an Apollo. I can't remember the last time I saw one.