Grimacing Hymer Syndrome - Front Bumper Misaligned

Many classic Hymers end up looking like this.

What has happened is that the bumper has had a small collision, which has bent the mounting brackets, and moved the bumper up an inch or so, but not damaged the bumper - they are quite strong. It's not just a problem with 700's you will see many Merc classics with a similar grim expression! The remedy is quite easy, but needs tools and basic mechanical skills.

All you need to do is lie on your back and look under the front of the van, and you will see that the bumper is mounted to the front sub frame of the van with two brackets. If you look closely you will see that the bolts holding the brackets have oval holes which allow for a certain amount of adjustment. It is here that the metal has bent slightly, or the bolts have slipped in the holes. Either way the remedy is to loosen the bolts and straighten the bracket and adjust the whole thing so that the van is smiling again. It's a lot easier to do than it is to describe in words - once you see how the bumper is fixed by the brackets, it's pretty easy to work out what is needed.

Also note that on many vans, at the end of the bumper near the front wheel arches is a screw attaching the end of the bumper to the wheel arch. This screw is more of a support and adjustment than a structural mounting, but you need to know it's there.

It's an hours work for a competent mechanic. You need a socket set and spanners and a hammer. The bolts may be caked in corrosion or underseal or old age. They may have to be destroyed to get them off - but they are a standard size and easy to replace.

The take away think to remember is that despite appearances, the hardware mounting the bumper to the van is extremely simple and easy to service and adjust, unlike the wildly expensive moulded bumpers on modern cars and vans. So don't be frightened of it! 4 bolts and 2 screws!