That damn gap between rear bumper and fender

digitalcos · 10-06-2009, 01:57 AM

I seem to recall others having an issue with this gap opening up. Anyone come up with a solution? Is my only option to remove the whole bumper cover and use new 3M tape?

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06black5spdgt · 10-06-2009, 09:03 AM

I've been having the same problem for like the past year and a half. I'm interested in any info too.

lenko · 10-06-2009, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 06black5spdgt

I've been having the same problem for like the past year and a half. I'm interested in any info too.

I remember reading about it, then checking mine and finding I had a gap. I think you have to remove the tail light on that side and then pushing the corner of the bumper up so it engages into the clip. It seems like some are not pushed in and aren't clicked in. That was quite a while ago, I can't remember what site, but it sure worked.

azrael_nite · 10-06-2009, 12:17 PM

Hello are you talking about this area? I circled it in red. I too am having a little problem. Looks like the bumper wants to lift or is not pushed in all the way. I haven't had a chance to remove the bumper completely and inspect.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

digitalcos · 10-06-2009, 02:06 PM

Yep, that's exactly what I'm talking about.

pascal · 10-06-2009, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by digitalcos

Yep, that's exactly what I'm talking about.

Mine is perfect but I fixed that issue on a customer car by removing the bracket and taping gently the metal behind it, inwards just a little...
It brought the bumper edges in, making them flush with the sheet metal.
Easy fix but you'll have to almost remove the bumper to gain enough access.

azrael_nite · 10-06-2009, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pascal

Mine is perfect but I fixed that issue on a customer car by removing the bracket and taping gently the metal behind it, inwards just a little...
It brought the bumper edges in, making them flush with the sheet metal.
Easy fix but you'll have to almost remove the bumper to gain enough access.

Question. was this a fix on a bumper that seemed to not fit or snap in? And the bracket your talking about is it the part that a rubber nubby goes into? the nubby is part of the bumper bracket. Your saying to remove this and tap the metal that is behind it? Will this help the bumper from coming unsnapped?

Sorry to be a pain... just want to know how to fix it right.

pascal · 10-06-2009, 05:43 PM

Yeah the bumper snaps in at the sides and at this place, by the tail lamps...
When I say bracket, it's more like a black plastic guide that is bolted to the body.
It holds the bumper lined up by those tabs that go in the bumper slots.

Sometimes, you can loosen that guide and shift it enough to help the bumper line up.

If it's a snapping back problem, you have two reasons for that...
Either you're not applying the right pressure for it to snap, or, the slot on the bumper is deformed (due to forcing) or broke.

Without pictures, it's kinda hard to grasp all this if you haven't seen the car with the bumper off.

lenko · 10-06-2009, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azrael_nite

Hello are you talking about this area? I circled it in red. I too am having a little problem. Looks like the bumper wants to lift or is not pushed in all the way. I haven't had a chance to remove the bumper completely and inspect.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Yes that's the spot. It was quite a while ago. I remember that I had to remove the tail lights on that side and then loosen some bolts that hold the bumper in that area. Push the bumper up so it locks into a guide on that corner then tighten and reinstall the tail lights . Worked for me.

digitalcos · 10-06-2009, 10:47 PM

Well, I wish I had checked in with this thread one more time before I decided to go with my redneck/ghetto fix. Shoulda known Pascal would have an answer.

In an attempt to preserve my dignity I won't go into detail. I'll just say it's fixed now, and no one would ever know how without removing the taillight housing.