Replacing a bumper

Kosko · #1 03-24-2008, 09:24 AM

Hey Guys,

So I'll be replacing a bumper on 97 Honda Civic later this week. I was wondering if anyone knew where all the fasteners/bolts are holding this on. Also, anyone have any tips?

Thanks All!

Trevorus · #2 03-24-2008, 09:30 AM

Mission accomplished!

(I've never actually done body work on a Civic, so I can't be of much help. You might go buy a repair manual for it. You're not putting on one of those crazy body kits, are you?)

Kosko · #3 03-24-2008, 09:35 AM

no no, just repairing a hit and run.

Wholesale parts are cheap though.

Bryan316 · #4 03-24-2008, 09:38 AM

I only do body work on vehicles that are 30 years or older. If you throw a Torino or a Duster or Mustang or Model A, I might be of help to ya.

Surly · #5 03-24-2008, 09:44 AM

Torinos are badass....I love a car with a 6 foot quarter panel.

Big Hungry · #6 03-24-2008, 09:50 AM

Front or rear, Take your time. A 97 will no doubt have alot of rust. Go down to AutoZone and get some PB blaster. Soak all the bolts down really good before you start unless you want to learn how to remove broken bolts. There should only be about 8 or so bolts per bumper. I am a DSM guy but all my friends race hondas so I know a little.

tplyons · #7 03-24-2008, 09:53 AM

I've spent a little time under the hood of a Civic or two for friends... IIRC, there shouldn't be that much holding those bumpers on. Just be patient. Bring a friend and a beer or two, and it shouldn't be that bad.

Don't exceed two beers until the job is complete.

Big Hungry · #8 03-24-2008, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tplyons

I've spent a little time under the hood of a Civic or two for friends... IIRC, there shouldn't be that much holding those bumpers on. Just be patient. Bring a friend and a beer or two, and it shouldn't be that bad.

Don't exceed two beers until the job is complete.

Especially if you are breaking out the sawzall

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fusea...deoid=17873574

Yes that says 10:48 at the end.

TrooperFarva · #9 03-24-2008, 09:59 AM

Are you replacing the bumper, or the bumper cover?

The bumper cover is the piece of plastic that's on the front of your car, that the license plate bracked is attached to. There's usually an assortment of screws and plastic clips holding it on, all the way around the perimeter of the bumper cover, including inside the wheel wells.

The bumper is the large metal piece just behind the bumper cover. If you're replacing that, there's usually between 4 and 8 bolts on the front.

There's usually a rigid plastic frame between the 2, I can't remember what it's called, but chances are if you're replacing the bumper cover, you'll have to replace that piece too.

MoD_Scotty · #10 03-24-2008, 10:10 AM

Worst case, you might have to remove the headlights to get to the last bolts holding it on.

Put it this way, if you think you have them all, and it's not practically falling off by itself...there are more bolts to remove!

Bryan316 · #11 03-24-2008, 10:38 AM

These modern vehicles are nice in one way... Rubbermaid garbage can bumpers. They're hella-flexible and most times, just BUH-WOOMP in and out instead of taking damage. My brother's 99 Cougar is awesome that way. Got rear-ended by a little old lady in a huge Buick with a big chrome bumper. We couldn't find ANY damage at all! Then I pushed my knee into it, and it buckled like a garbage can. AWESOME. If my truck's rear bumper was like that, it wouldn't be reflecting light like a disco ball right now.

I'ma get a huge honkin' black steel pipe for a rear bumper when this one gets too beat up.

Big Hungry · #12 03-24-2008, 11:08 AM

Here is a hint for finding all of the bolts. Look on the new bumper and see where the bolt holes are. Chances are good that there will be coresponding holes in the old one.

Bryan316 · #13 03-24-2008, 11:09 AM

This man is wise and learned.

Listen to him.

Mon Rominee · #14 03-24-2008, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Hungry

Here is a hint for finding all of the bolts. Look on the new bumper and see where the bolt holes are. Chances are good that there will be coresponding holes in the old one.

WE'LL HAVE NO LOGIC HERE, MR. BEEN HERE, DONE THAT!

Um, I mean....

+ infinity.

Kosko · #15 03-24-2008, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Hungry

Here is a hint for finding all of the bolts. Look on the new bumper and see where the bolt holes are. Chances are good that there will be coresponding holes in the old one.

Thats freaking brilliant. Obvious logic is the best stuff going. Thanks dude.