bumper impact strip replacement

I have a 78 300D and 2 new impact strips
and 3 holders, trying to get a 4th.
Is it fairly easy to R/R the impact strips?
Can I re-use one of the old ones if I cannot
get the 4th.

Thanks for any help,
Matthew

[libbybapa]

I just did this task this evening on my '82 300TDT. FWIW www.*************** has the rear impact strip and plastic keepers available new. I didn't have to mess with the front, so I am not sure if the parts are the same. I reused the rear impact strip as it looked good, but replaced the keepers. I imagine it would be easier with a new rubber strip. I cannot imagine being able to accomplish the task without removing the bumper, so don't even bother trying.

I have to say that it I am quite experienced regarding mechanical repairs and this was one of the most frustrating tasks to complete (the reason I am posting this is to help other poor sods who attempt this). I finally learned "the trick" and it was quite easy afterwards. Prior to figuring out the trick it was was impossible.

Break off the plastic piece near the outer edge of the keeper strip and save it (it gets tapped into the clip there to prevent it from coming loose. Get a large "C" clamp and a half dozen large fender washers or similar flat skinny object. Spray some windex on the track of the rubber strip and slide in the plastic strip on both sides so that the inner tabs are centered in the strip and the appropriate distance apart to fit into the holes in the bumper. starting at the center install the c clamp just outward of the first clip on the keeper so that it presses the impact strip and plastic keeper toward the bumper. Tap one of the fender washers into the groove in the keeper clip. Do the same for each of the clips. When you have all of the washers installed on one of the strips, use a screwdriver to tap the strip toward the center of the bumper. Work your way around each of the clips and back again until the strip is pushed all the way. Tap the end clip into place, tap the plastic piece that you broke off between the two tabs of the end clip. Remove all of the washers. Do the same for the other side.

Andrew