1950s 59 bumper rubber?

[Paul]

While reading The Servicemen for 59- I came across an advisory that talked about aligning the rear bumper. It mentions to push the bumper up against the fender and squeeze the rubber pad to ensure the bumper doesn't move. Does anyone know or have a picture of this rubber pad? I don't have this on my car but would like to add this to help keep the bumper in position. I don't recall what month this was in but can look again if necessary

[Clewisiii]

My 61 has rubber bumpers for the bumper similar to the rubber bumpers for the hood adjustment.

You would turn the threaded stud to raise the bumpers.  For my 61 they are located at the bottom of the panel behind the headlight buckets.

[David Greenburg]

I was just starting to write the same thing that Carl did. I would not be surprised if the '59 had a similar arrangement for the rear. I used to have a '59 and don't recall seeing any but if they're anything like the ones up front on the '61, they are well-hidden.

[Paul]

Thanks gents but I am referring only to the rear. On the 59 there are no threaded studs to adjust on the rear bumper. The best I can tell it was a pad of sorts that the reverse light housing rested upon at the rear quarter panel. ( I think I erroneously said fender in the previous post -my apologies)

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

The only "pads" that I know of on the rear bumper assembly of a '59 Cadillac are the small triangular rubber pieces that fit between the base of the fins and the top of the rear bumper ends containing the reverse lamps. They are missing on the majority of '59s today.

[Paul]

Do you have a picture or diagram showing the correct placement of these triangular rubber bumpers? Do they sit at the top of the quarter panel?

[D. Mailan]

The rubber piece slips on top of the reverse light housing part of the bumper. In between the gap between the tail fin and the bumper. See photos. It attaches to the bumper not the fender. Hope this helps!
Derick

[59-in-pieces]

Paul,
You have the correct aftermarket picture, and though I don't know if the information is still correct on the picture I posted, it could help those that want to add this part to their cars to have a source.

Derick,
Your picture is spot on.
When adjusting the height of the rear bumper and the reverse light extension sections, the rubber bumper should be put on the top triangular piece of the extension, and then raise the rear bumper up tight to the tail light assembly - squeezing the rubber bumper.

The rubber bumper has a thin side and a thick side.  The thin side is mounted down on and under the rear edge of the extension, and the thick side mounted facing up to engage the tail light assembly.  See the pick.

Have fun,
Steve B.

[Gabe Davis]

Very interesting! I did not even know that little rubber spacer was a thing. I'll have to go and see if they are on my '59. I highly doubt it though. My dad had the bumpers re chromed in the late 1970's and I doubt the spacers were put back on.

Is is only the friction of the rubber being squashed between the parts that holds it in place, other than wrapping around the backup light section? Would a dab of glue/silicone be beneficial?

[Paul]

The attached shows the part and placement for future reference.

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Is is only the friction of the rubber being squashed between the parts that holds it in place, other than wrapping around the backup light section? Would a dab of glue/silicone be beneficial?

The top of the spacer shouldn't be making contact with the base of the fin. The stickiness of the rubber itself helps keeps it fastened to the bumper end. Except for originals where the rubber has dried/hardened to the point where they no longer remain in place, adhesives shouldn't be necessary with reproduction rubber spacers.

[Paul]

What is the actual function of this rubber piece? Why is it there?

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Helps soften the visual gap between the base of the fin and the bumper and provides a modicum of protection during bumper installation and/or when a using a bumper jack are my guesses.