Bumper & rubber surround install order...
 

This is something trivial that I typically trial and error, but I'm running out of time.

I need to reinstall the front and rear bumpers and the surrounding rubber bits on my w123.

What goes on first? the rubber or the bumper itself? It's been so long since I removed them that I don't remember anymore!

Thanks!

I pulled the rubber ends off with the bumper all in one piece, so, if it were me putting them back on, I'd put the rubber pieces on the bumper then attach to the car as an assembly. But, I could be wrong.

I would do the bumper first on the front, but I've never had the rear bumper off so can't comment from knowledge on that. It might well be easier to put the bumper ends on first at the rear (I find them a huge PITA).

so bumper first on the front and rubber first on the back...

that sounded kinda dirty lol

Its rubber first both ends. The bumper slides into the rubber

Both the front and rear rubber casing end bits have steel bracket (if not rusted away) that will be close to impossible to install properly with the bumper mounted.

If you are talking that rubber strip that travels along the face of the bumper, that gets installed on the bumper before putting the bumper on the car

thanks JB3, considering how bad the rust was on some areas of the car, I'm blown away that the steel pieces you speak of are in relatively good shape.

yeah, so a newby did have it right...yeah, always glad when I can actually help others, and not just gain from them.