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]

Thanks for the tips guys, I will let the guys who takes the job start with the splitters and not messing the side skirts.
If it turns out it will be easier to break the splitters and do it over again then they just have to. I will just buy a new set (which isn't so expensive), and let them install it so I can remove them in the future..
The guy who did this molding is a great guy, he painted the car and it's good work, so I can't blame him, I guess he didn't know that is so hard to remove the headlights and that it was necessary..
I don't regret that the side skirts and rear bumper splitters is molded though, because they won't be needed to be removed unless there will be a car accident.

This post has been edited by Iceman22: Apr 18, 2012 - 8:24 PM