Author Topic: Bumper bars and "bombs"  (Read 1130 times)

Carpenter

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 486
    • View Profile
    • Email
Bumper bars and "bombs"
« on: October 09, 2017, 08:12:44 AM »
I see some 54 Kaiser Manhattans with bars on the front bumper and some with the two "bombs".  What is correct?

joefrazer

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4039
    • View Profile
Re: Bumper bars and "bombs"
« Reply #1 on: October 09, 2017, 12:34:04 PM »
All 1954 Kaisers used bumper guards that resemble those used on the 1951 cars, but were canted. Bumpers with bridges belong on the 1952 and 53 cars.

The attached pic shows the correct bumper guards.

Carpenter

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 486
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: Bumper bars and "bombs"
« Reply #2 on: October 09, 2017, 10:53:27 PM »
...but the 54 for sale today has the bar across the front...???

Carpenter

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 486
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: Bumper bars and "bombs"
« Reply #3 on: October 12, 2017, 09:53:38 PM »
Which AC and which Power Steering was installed on the 54-55 Kaiser Manhattans?

rialto

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 230
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: Bumper bars and "bombs"
« Reply #4 on: October 13, 2017, 10:48:50 PM »
The 54 Kaiser for sale in Roseville has a 52-53 front bumper.  53-55 Kaisers had Monroe power steering as an option. This was a ram type power assist system. I don't think Kaiser offered a factory air conditioning system.  Some early cars said air condition on the heater box but this was not air conditioning as we know it today. It didn't use refrigeration.

Carpenter

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 486
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: Bumper bars and "bombs"
« Reply #5 on: October 13, 2017, 11:22:57 PM »
Thank you.  I think the bar looks better on the 54-55, but I guess the designer didn't want it covering up part of the grille.