Anyone able to advise on removing a rear bumper?

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 11:12 pm

At some point I'm gonna have to remove my rear bumper to repair and respray it (I think I'll be more relaxed doing this and working with hot air gun and a dolly from behind the bumper than trying to do it in place). I daresay it is straightforward removing the bumper (if a bit messy as I remember one post saying) but if anyone has done it and can give any helpful hints, warnings etc. I'd be grateful. No sweat if not, I'll just boldly go where I've never gone before etc.

Mike

brorabongo · Post by **brorabongo** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 11:48 pm

Absolute easy-pesy. Took my bumper off to fit towbar it was just two screws in each wheel arch, one of which was the plastic type which is sort of half turn then pull away. Then four bolts at the back if I remember 13mm and the bumper pulls away from its locating holes. If you look at the members section for fitting a towbar you might get a good idea whats involved.

The only tip I can think of is wear goggles as it's unreal how much crap accumulates in behind the bumper

The bolts/nuts on mine came off easy and the screws in the wheel arch where accessable by manipulating the plastic covers.

You'll have no problem( I

)

Post by **Simon Jones** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 11:54 pm

From memory - 2 screws (one self tapper & one threaded) just inside each wheel arch. Remove the small plastic panel as part of this process. Inside the bumper (accessible from under the rear of the van), are 4 nuts that go from captive bolts in the bumper to the metal strengthener inside. Worth trying to wire-brush the thread first & use WD40. The rust on the threads can be stronger that the captive fixing that hold the bolt. If you have a towbar, remove the ball first & disconnect any foglights. Finally, give it a gentle pull backwards & it should slide out quite easily.

Refitting is the reversal, but note there are locating pegs to assist alignment & watch the paint on the body work - probably a 2 person job as the bumper can be quite "wobbly".

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Tue May 01, 2007 7:07 am

The usual quality replies. Thank you v much brora and Simon. Probably a lot more useful than the workshop manual, assuming it even covers such mundane things. I'll dig out me old goggles. I know one bad thing is likely to be the underseal stuff I had put on Mango Bongo. Its great stuff, but not when you want to start undoing nuts etc. that have been covered with it. Wear clothes you don't need to be clean EVER again.

Mike

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Tue May 01, 2007 10:33 am

That'll be ALL my clobber then mike, cos i'm a scruff

I cant suggest owt on this one mate, i repaired my bumper "in situ" because of removal reservations.

One thing i can suggest though mate, if you do get lumbered with re-fitting the bumper on your tod... mask the lower section of the rear quarters to give a bit of protection if you "have a little slip".

The neat green wont look so neat if ya clonk the bumper against it mate

David Edwards · Post by **David Edwards** » Tue May 01, 2007 10:41 am

Hmmm, lets see, oh yeah far quicker, easier and simpler way,.. just hand the keys to a woman and let her reverse it into a supermarket car park, should do the job no probs with all those low posts around...oh boy am I gonna get it now.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Tue May 01, 2007 10:50 am

I got years ago David - its why I speak with a high pitched voice

smartmonkey · Post by **smartmonkey** » Tue May 01, 2007 11:30 am

I would spend a bit of time with waxoyl whilst the bumper is off. All the muck that is revealed needs cleaning off and take the oportunity to protect it all.

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Tue May 01, 2007 11:36 am

Sound advise smartmonkey... Although i'd probably get carried away,and realize i have a massive pile of bits where my bongo used to be!

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Tue May 01, 2007 3:18 pm

It'll be interesting to see what Chassis Clean did in that area, as I know they took lots of stuff off (but not the bumper I suspect - that would be expecting too much even at their prices)

Post by **aitch** » Wed May 02, 2007 9:22 pm

you never know Mike they might suprise even you!!!!

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Wed May 02, 2007 10:41 pm

Gone and bought a compressor and airgun on ebay. Collecting it Saturday. So I have serious intent to spray (as the tomcat might have said)