Inpenatrable steel

[dpledger]

The rear bumper support for my '53 Manhattan was misshapen, and it proved impossible to mount the bumper correctly. Solved the problem by cutting a couple of inches off one end, and fabricating a new end piece. Noticed that it took a lot of time with the cut off wheel to get through it, but now I'm trying to drill holes in the support to put the end end on and have been unable to do so. This stuff is HARD. Have tried cobalt, concrete, and all other kinds of bits and after much effort am barely half way through. Anyone else ever struggle with this and have a solution?

[darrin145]

 Try a carbide tipped masonry bit. It's also much easier if you have access to a drill press.

 Gary.

[51Deluxe]

Didn't realize the 50's cars had this, but 40's and earlier cars had bumper brackets of spring steel, so it bounced back when you hit something. Very hard metal to drill.