Removing front bumper, DIY - how-to Options

[Batman722]

this is for removing the front bumper from a 94-99 Celica ST,GT,GT-Four

Manny and I did this with his car (beautiful st205 front conversion) and I assure you the process is the exact same with the at200 (ST) and st204 (GT)

Tools needed :
flathead screwdriver
phillips head screwdriver
10mm socket, rachet, a few extensions, swivel

Time :
30min-45min depending on skill level

first, open your hood and prop open - and remove registration plate (if applicable)

1 - remove 4 bolts (10mm) on the top of the bumper (the retainer) and put retainer aside




2 - remove 4 plastic drivers holding the bumper onto the re-bar (crash bar) with a flathead screwdriver


detailed view



3 - remove 8 screws/bolts holding the bottom of the bumper to the under plastics




4 - unscrew turn signals (phillips head screw driver) and remove/disconnect housings (both sides)




5 - next is the tricky part. There are 3 nuts (10mm) holding the bumper to the fender (on each side) - located here



what I did was I pushed the wheel well plastic aside and stuck my hand/arm in to remove nuts



the bottom and the middle nuts are easy, the top nut is more difficult. To remove all 3 I used this



the top one is located right at the top of the inside of the fender close to the headlight, it is tight in there, I recommend you use a 10mm DEEP socket for more reach.


6 - once all 6 nuts (3 each side) are removed, pull the front bumper strait off toward the front of the car. You may need to wiggle it a little bit (it is easier to have someone help, one person on each side of the bumper)

complete. To put the bumper back on, just reverse the directions



Notes/hints :
make sure to keep all bolts/nuts ect clean and organized. You will need these again to put the bumper back on. I recommend putting them into baggies and labeling.

[Iceman22]

Then I have a BIG problem, I can not remove my front bumper anymore (see picture why), and I need to remove the headlights because they fail on MOT test, they are RHD and I live in LHD country... This is a nightmare...
I think I just gonna have to cut off the tabs holding the headlamp and just use one bolt instead of 3, or I have to destroy the frontbumper/spats and do it all over again...



This post has been edited by Iceman22: Apr 17, 2012 - 9:42 AM