Front bumper facia removal

[John Boothby]

I am thinking of removing the front bumper facia for refinishing and painting. At 80k it shows a fair amount of rock chips etc. The FSM shows that it is not a major undertaking. Has anyone done this? Any hang ups or problems?

Thanks,

John

[We Gone]

Its not bad, just make sure you get all the fasteners. It helps alot to have someone help you pull it off. The hardest part is along the hood be sure to use some blue painters tape along the front of the hood to protect it.

[John Boothby]

Gotch ya. Good idea about the painters tape!

Thanks,

John

[GOLDCYLON]

John after painting you might consider the clear bra treatment while shes fresh. GC

[John Boothby]

John after painting you might consider the clear bra treatment while shes fresh. GC

I was thinking of that. Thanks.

John

[John Boothby]

It may have to cure for a period of time before applying the protecting film.

[Demps]

Fairly straightforward as said.
Ted

[mike100]

Pretty east to take off. Getting it lined up and squared with the hood during the installation phase is a whole 'nother matter.

[Paul Workman]

A-men ^^^ on the alignment, Bro!! Took me hours to align my bumper and hood after painting. And, because I has so much fun at it, I got to do it again after hitting the first pothole* - apparently NOT getting all the adjustments tightened enough.

*I was therefore feeling like giving GM a :thumbsup: when (at the factory tour) seeing them drive the newly assembled Vettes over a "rack" of speed bumps, once the body panels were installed and then re-measuring the gaps; checking for shifting!

[John Boothby]

So, any tips on lining it back up?

[Paul Workman]

I'm no expert, but as long as you didn't remove the hood or the gill panels, they should serve as good references and minimize your adjusting.

When you remove the bumper, carefully collect the shims and tape/label them so as to assure the right ones get reinstalled where they came from.

Then, tightening the bolts a little at a time, all the while monitoring the spacing (gaps) - adjusting as you go. Another person can come in handy to press on various places as you tighten the bolts/screws.

Be certain to go around all the fasteners one last time (or two) to make sure they're snugged up properly and nothing shifted.

The real test will come when you hit your first bump. If something is not "right", then is when stuff moves. In cases where the gill panels, bumper, and hood are to be installed (again). Start with the door alignment first, then the gill panels, then the bumper, and finally the hood...in that order!

Good luck! Don't be in a hurry, and plan on a certain amount of "redoux". For some this is frustrating, but the prep and reassembling is a big part of where the $$$ for a paint job comes in!! (Everything affects everything and the more of a perfectionist ya are, the longer it takes. Be patient!)

[John Boothby]

Thanks for the info. I usually bag & tag everything when I remove them. I am retired and have nothing but time.

I also plan on replacing the air deflectors also. The ones I see in the parts catalogs usually show one standard and one for the J51's. I would guess ours is the J51? Also a 2nd design center piece with stiffening ribs. Any info on these?

Thanks,

John