How-To thread on a Front bumper install

[rjlichau]

I JUST GOT MY NEW BUMPER IN THE MAIL AND I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE HAD A GOOD "HOW-TO" LINK WITH PICTURES AND DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO INSTALL IT. I AM GUESSING THAT IT IS THE REVERSE OF THE REMOVAL BUT I KNOW THAT I HAD TO BREAK A COUPLE OF PLASTIC SCREW TO GET IT OFF SO I AM MORE WONDERING IF THE BUMPER IS GOING TO BE STABLE ENOUGH WITH OUT THEM. OR IF I SHOULD GO TO THE DEALERSHIP AND PIC UP SOME NEW PLASTIC SCREWS. BUT MY THING IS THE SCREWS ARE PLASTIC SO HOW MUCH COULD THEY REALLY BE HOLDING?

THANKS

 

[DSMboostin15]

I have to ask how many did you break? Because if you only broke a few, it shouldn't be that big of an issue. As long as you still have at least 2 screws/bolts holding the bumper at all four corners and a few in the middle on top and on bottom, then it should be fine.

 

[twicks69]

First off, please write questions and replies in regular format, meaning NO CAPS.

Turning off caps lock, means that we can read it alot easier



Now if you are referring to the plastic trim screws in the wheel wells, you would either want to replace them with new ones, or do the easy way and zip tie them instead. Personally, I use the trim screws because that was their original design.

There are also trim removal tools at most Sears or auto parts stores out there to prevent breaking the tabs -- but they aren't guaranteeing you that they won't break -- they still do sometimes. Patience is the key.

If you are going to use a new bumper, then do it right and go pick up some of the plastic trim screws.

 

[roadrunner2176]

Maybe I'm missing something, but did you get a new oem bumper, or an aftermarket bumper.
If its oem, replace it the same as you took it off, 5 bolts between the headlights, 2 along each bumper to fender, 2 plastic trim screws in each fender well, 4 or 5 long plastic trim screws inside the mouth of the bumper, 2 bolts beneath the headlights, and a metal strip on the underside of the fender -5 or 6 bolts.

If its an aftermarket bumper, non oem you might have to drill the holes.

 

[rjlichau]

Yeah it its an OEM bumper. I only broke the plastic bolts that arer underneath the headlights and that were almost impossible to get to but all the ones holding up the splash guard and the ones on the side I still have. Just the four under the lip of the bumper that broke cause I read on a forum that is what you are supposed to do.

Thanks for the information.

 

[ndsti]

Go to a dealer for those they're really cheap, well not really but like $1.

Just make sure you dry fit everything to assure the alignment is correct!

 

[Defiant]

Hold this article up to a mirror and follow the instructions:
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99973

 

[ILLiCliPSE]

the autozone around me has those plastic screws in stock all the time...they come in a little plastic box that say "FOR: Mitsubishi/ Chrysler cars" You could pick them up from those sort of stores I bet.

 

[roadrunner2176]

Just for future reference, you shouldnt always believe what you read on a forum. Its true those plastic screws are hard to get off, and that is the easiest way to get them off. But with other applications, use your best judgement. If for some reason you stumble upon a bad thread, that you know very little about, or that makes you think--that just cant be right-- look for a second opinion. I know you thinking thats common sense, right, but better to be safe than sorry.

 

[rjlichau]

Originally I was skeptical of breaking the screws so I double checked to make sure. Even proven memebers and I belive a moderator too said to break them. And I figured that they could be replaced so what the heck.

 

[spyderturbo007]

This is for an RS, but I can't see it being any different.

http://www.rcaz.com/rcaz/sub indexes/eclipsebumper/index.htm

 

[rjlichau]

Maybe it is not supposed to be, but mine is totally different. My front bumper does not have those support arms or whatever they are called. Not that it would make a huge differnece, but the air filter/box and fuse box is on the opposite side too. But thanks for the link!