Bumper swap

[zombiehouse]

I am so glad this place is back up and running. I am going to be swapping out my V6 bumpers for GT bumpers on my 05 this weekend. Do any of you have any pointers on how to do the rear bumper swap? Are there any little hints to get the old bumper off without damaging it? Any pointers would be appreciated.

[OttoCobra]

hint:

get your 10mm, 11mm ready.... and masking tape your sharp edges.

then hire somebody that likes beerz .... :look:

[zombiehouse]

If I can replace an engine or do a clutch I think I can handle a bumper. Thanks for the tips though. Not too worried about the paint. The whole car is getting repainted soon. I just don't want to run into snags that will cost me more time than needed.

[OttoCobra]

If I can replace an engine or do a clutch I think I can handle a bumper. Thanks for the tips though. Not too worried about the paint. The whole car is getting repainted soon. I just don't want to run into snags that will cost me more time than needed.

Beer improves most driveway installs. :pouce:

[Martini]

i r proof of that.

8.8 rear end + 3 cases of beer = full day of fun.

[OttoCobra]

i r proof of that.

8.8 rear end + 3 cases of beer = full day of fun.

I was wondering what took you guys so damn long !!! :beer2:

[Martini]

well it was more about the tools i didn't have and the little SNAFU's we were running into. how to take off the GT pinnion flange was the main problem.

[BISKIT]

All right.

- Open the trunk.
- Remove the two twist tabs on either side (iin the indented section)
- Remove the 2-4 snap connectors from the plastic trim.
- Remove the plastic trim piece
- Remove the 4-5 (I can't remember off the top of my head) 10mm nuts that hold the bumper on.
- I usually recommend removing the taillights (4 nuts) as fitting the new bumper on will be a pain in the ass with them on)

-Get under the car and remove the 3 pushclips that are on the underside.
-Remove the screws holding it in in the wheelwell.
-All hardware is now removed.
-Disconnect the side marker harnesses (press lock) and the license plate light harness.
-Pull on the sides of the bumper by the wheel well and it will pop out.
-Pull the bumper off.

If it is not included on the new bumper, you will need to drill out and re-rivet the stud bar that goes the length of the bumper.
You will also need to transfer over the license plate and the license plate light along with the side markers.


Do the steps in reverse and you are done.

[M.Dest.B]

mark can u post something like that for the front, im doing a swap in about 2 weeks, thanks

[BISKIT]

mark can u post something like that for the front, im doing a swap in about 2 weeks, thanks

No prob.

- Open hood
- remove clips from radiator cover and remove cover
- remove two 10mm bolts from top mounting of bumper.
- unscrew two screws on each side holding fender liner to bumper. (If you turn the wheel in towards the car it will give you room)
- Disconnect the fog light harnesses.
- Remove splash shield from bottom of bumper (I can not remember off hand how many but I think it is 5 7mm screws.)
- disconnect BOTH harneses from side marker lights.
- pull the fender liner back and towards the tire (turn wheel inwards to do this) and right where the bumper meets the fender on the inside there are 3 nuts. 2 of them hold the bumper and the third (center) holds the actual bracket onto the fender. DO NOT REMOVE THE CENTER ONE as it is a pain in the ass to get back on and you can easily bend the bracket.
- pull sides of bumper down towards the ground clearing the mounting studs.
- grab top of bumper and lift the top off the mounting tabs on the radiator support.

Bumper is off.

If you are planning to do a swap, remember that the brackets that are on either side of the bumper that house the side marker lights are riveted on. You will need to drill those rivets out. Watch out as high speed/temp will damage the mounting holes on the bumper and make it junk. It can also damage the bracket itself.

[zombiehouse]

Thanks for the entertaining beer posts. Thank you especially to Mark for the needed info on the bumper swap. I will be swapping both of the bumpers this weekend. While I am at it I will be lowering the car with an Eibach Prokit if I have the time. Going to install the new ram air hood as well. Gonna be busy this weekend I guess.