Hey all, back in here after a brief absence

So, back in the summer, I got a start on my car's needed body work up at a school for some hobby credit. Unfortunately, I ran into some problems w/re-installing the bumper cover on the car, and I need to figure out how to get it back on quickly, because I need to get the car out of the school, and will not have a lot of time to screw around with it due to the only times I can go pick it up.

The first issue, was with the bumper to fender brackets with the 4 bolts/studs in them. Some of the bolts were rusted so bad, they broke during removal of the bumper, so I had to drill them out, and pick up a new bolt and nut set. Welded the bolts in place of the old ones (same length), but found it to be an extreme PITA to get the brackets lined up w/in the bumper, and get the bolts through the fender holes. I remember something like another bracket or arm of some type that kept blocking them/pushing the bracket back out. And there was quite gap of space between the bumper and the front of the hood. Couldn't even get it close, with force.

I'm wondering, do I need to remove the fenders from the car again just to get the bumper cover back on? It wouldn't make sense to me, but I need to figure out the easiest way to get it back on...and soon! What am I doing wrong? Thanks!

 

May have to open up the holes in the fender, or at least loosen the bolts.