I bought two new trunk bumpers for my 74 Dart Sport from Hardens. (Part No. CH2002) They are the round bumpers with a hole completely through the round/donut shaped rubber and a tab on the opposite side that looks like an Apollo space capsule. The tab needs to be pushed into the hole under the trunk lid yet it is harder that I expected. How do you get that tab far enough into the trunk hole to keep the bumper in the deck lid?

If the part you're describing is what I think it is, this should work: Lubricate the tab with some liquid soap diluted with water then use a dowel or tapered punch though the center hole to push the tab into the hole. It should pop through and be secure. Be careful to not push too hard or you can puncture it. A phillips screwdriver will work too but is more likely to puncture the tab.

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David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

Randy,
I agree with above, especially the part about taking it easy with the pushing. Try resting the heel of your hand on the deck lid and do the pushing with just your fingers, do not push using your whole arm.

A lolly pop stick might be the right size, and you get a treat when you're done!

Jerry

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There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

The popsicle stick was too brittle. I broke both of them more than once. The candy was good. I found an old crotchet hook in my wife's sewing stuff. It was the right diameter of the hole in the bumper yet no amount of soap and pushing could force the tab into the hole in the deck lid. So I turned the crotchet hook around and gently shoved the bumper into the hole with the hook (small) end of the hook while slowly turning the bumper and working it into the hole. It finally went in. And yes I did push too hard and put a hole in the bumper, however it didn't compromise the bumper. One more little pain in the butt now done.

There's always more than one way to skin a cat. Good job.

Jerry

p.s. I never got your photos. Have you sent them yet?

_________________
There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.