How to replace Bumper Guard Cover

[mrwizard93]

Guys, sorry that this isn't a modification discussion item but it stems from an exterior modification.

I was adding a 20" light bar and I decided that it would be a good idea to try and pop off those bumper guard covers on either side of the opening. BIG FREAKING MISTAKE!!! I have no clue how to put them back on without taking off the plastic thing behind it which I also do not know how to take off.

Can someone help with some simple instructions!!!

Here is a picture of what I am talking about.

On a side note, what is everyone using to cover up the remaining tabs surrounding the light bar?

Thanks for the help!!!

 

[Zeke555]

When one of mine broke I just took the entire bumper apart and removed them both. Then had it covered in Line-x and never put them back on. Basically just to make it look half decent until I get an aftermarket one to replace it.

 

[mrwizard93]

Man, I have been searching all morning on the interwebs and can't find anything on even a fresh install of the part. I did find somewhere to buy the replacement of the part that I took off but nothing on how to install the darn thing.

WHAT A MADDENING EXPERIENCE!!!!!

 

[BenBB]

They have flimsy plastic tabs that hold them on, you might be able to loosen the nuts enough to get them on or you might have to take them off entirely. There's two bolts on each one (the head is molded into that waffle thing) and they are a bitch to get a wrench on the nut, a ratchet wrench helps but you can only get like 1/10 of a turn on it at a time. Like @Zeke555 said it may be easier to remove the bumper, and ultimately it would be better to use it as an excuse to upgrade to aftermarket (there was another thread recently about these I can't find but @Gary E suggested a landscape adhesive to help keep the caps on, that might work).

 

[mrwizard93]

WOW. I went to the truck to see if I could reach the bolts you are referring to and all I can say is what freaking genius came up with that?!?! There is basically NO WAY to get to the innermost bolt (towards the center of the truck). I was able to get a picture with my phone by sticking it in the hole just under the waffle thing. There is almost no space to do anything in that space. I am going to have to take off the bumper.

 

[sixshooter_45]

There was a recent thread that described in detail how to reinstall these caps.

Front Bumper Pads

 

[mrwizard93]

@sixshooter_45 Brother, thank you for that link!!!! I seems I was referring to them by the part name while others were calling them bumperettes. Let's see where this takes me. I would hate to have to take off the whole bumper just to put these stupid things back on.

 

[sixshooter_45]

@sixshooter_45 Brother, thank you for that link!!!! I seems I was referring to them by the part name while others were calling them bumperettes. Let's see where this takes me. I would hate to have to take off the whole bumper just to put these stupid things back on.

NP, glad I could help.

 

[mrwizard93]

In case anyone finds themselves in the same predicament. I explored taking off the bumper but decided to take the less invasive approach and try to pull the tabs down using twist-ties while pushing the covers on over the waffle cushions as suggested in one of the threads referenced.

I am happy to say that although it took a bit of finagling, it came back on although it does move around a little bit (less than 1 mm of movement). I am hoping that the tabs move back to their original position and hold tight - until I get a new aftermarket bumper.

Thanks again for the help!
CB

PS - The engineer who came up with this design should get a participation award and a shirt reading "I had 1 job ..." and a picture of the stupid design for this.

 

[BaronH]

I was missing one and got a Chinese replacement. Of course the tabs broke and now I’m gonna try plastic adhesive.