My bumper doesn't connect to my headlights..

[c0nfused]

Hey guys, I've searched through the forum and found similar threads, but nothing with my same situation.

I purchased this '97 GSX a month ago and I'm just getting familiar with it.

The headlights appear to be newer, maybe aftermarket?
The front bumper has a tab on either side with a hole in it that appears to be for bolting to the bottom of the headlights? for support to keep it from sagging.. But there is nothing on the bottom of these headlights that it could connect to.

Is there another piece/ a support further past the headlights that this is supposed to connect to? or are these lights being newer or aftermarket my problem not having a connection?

I took some pics, but it's tough to see what I'm talking about, maybe later when it's darker and the flash will help.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Scrymerr]

The tabs on either side of the bumper underneath the headlights are supposed to attach to the bumper core support with push-clips.

 

[azdave]

Check this out...it shows the holes you are asking about.
Bumper removal

Bumper skin attachment under headlamps. Everyone usually rips these out because they don't understand how to properly remove the bumper. Few people replace them.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[mitsumikey]

I ve had mine apart and that is still in there...
i think its just an old age sagging problem...

 

[97 GSX 97]

Check this out...it shows the holes you are asking about.
Bumper removal

Bumper skin attachment under headlamps. Everyone usually rips these out because they don't understand how to properly remove the bumper. Few people replace them.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

What is the proper way to get them out? I just broke those tabs off when removing the bumper because everyone instructed me to .

 

[Scrymerr]

That is BS and anyone who tells you you need to intentionally rip/break/tear things to get your car apart is full of shit. There are very few things on a car which should break when removing them. To properly get the bumper out, reach or crawl under the front of the car with a 3/8" ratchet and extension with 14mm socket. In addition to all obvious bumper hardware, remove the two 14mm bolts which are recessed in the frame rail on each side (four in total). When you do this, the core support will slide out with the bumper as one unit like in the picture. It is very easy to do, and the right way to do it. Go slap all those people who told you to just break the tabs off and tell them you would prefer your car without a saggy bumper.

 

[azdave]

What is the proper way to get them out? I just broke those tabs off when removing the bumper because everyone instructed me to .

I guess you didn't see the link right above the picture with step-by-step photos of the entire 2G bumper removal process???

2G Bumper Removal

 

[mitsumikey]

Mine has all the bolts and still sags though, which is what I find kind of wierd.

 

[Scrymerr]

Mine has all the bolts and still sags though, which is what I find kind of wierd.

I looked at your pictures and your bumper is not sagging half as bad as others I have seen. Assuming your bumper is OEM and has not been repaired before you could try pulling it off and heating the areas underneath the lights with a heat-gun and pulling them up a little bit. I worked in the auto-body business for over three years and we spent quite some time tweaking aftermarket plastics to make them fit right. Also, your car looks really nice- it is becoming increasingly rare to see a almost totally stock DSM. If you mod your car do it right and keep it looking good!

 

[InfiniteGSX]

Only reason I have broken things off of my car, is because I didn't know how to get them off and it didn't matter cause they were to be replaced. I wont do it again... I like having parts that are in 1 peice instead of two.

 

[mitsumikey]

Thanks Scrymerr. I Have been into these cars so long, I got out of my rice stage before I even bought it. It actually has a VIS carbon hood on now, and clear corners. No rice goin on my baby