I tried this question in the appearance section, but I guess not too many people go there. I'm having trouble with removing my rear bumper. I have every clip and screw out, I just am down to the three rivets the hold the sides of the rear bumper on. How do I get to those, and what's the best way to remove them? Also, do I HAVE to re-install the rivets, or would it be OK to not do so. Thanks!

 

anyone? shoebox, I know you've dismantled your car to the very core of its being. someone's gotta know about these rivet things.

 

*sigh*

anyone...

 

I've taken the rear bumper off before, it's been awhile, but hopefully I can remember enough to help you out.

Those rivets hold the bumper cover to some other plastic pieces which have bolts molded into them. These bolts pass through the sheet metal and have nuts on the other side. So you most definately do not want to cut the rivets. You will need to pull the inside rear panels off as well as the spare to get to the nuts. I think there is also one on the drivers side that is accessed by removing the plastic cover in the wheel well that hides the evap canister. If I remember right there are at least three per side, possibly four.

Don't forget the screws in the egde of the cover at the wheel wells. And be careful you don't tear the cover. You will have to stretch it slightly to get the ends of the bolts clear of the sheet metal.

-Dave

 

THANK YOU!