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.

[jordisonjr]

I'd much rather cut two splitters and risk messing them up then a set of TRD skirts.
Would be much cheaper te replace splitters than skirts, if you did happen to screw up.

And then you have to remove bumper and fenders, and have to worry about re aligning the fenders when you put them back on, and if the "molding" on from the splitters to the bumper and fender will hold up, cause it looks like they are only joined at a very small point.

Just my take on it though.

This post has been edited by jordisonjr: Apr 18, 2012 - 11:29 AM