need help removing bumper

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GTI'D_VW

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Discussion starter · #1 · May 25, 2006

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I just a bought 82 Rabbit and I am doing body work and prepping it for paint but I ran into a problem. When I loosen the nuts on the 4 bolts that hold the bumper on, all that happens is the entire bolt rotates with the nut. Is there a way I can get these off without cutting the bolt. Thanks

 

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onetribe

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#2 · May 25, 2006

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Re: need help removing bumper (GTI'D_VW)

Quote, originally posted by GTI’D_VW »

When I loosen the nuts on the 4 bolts that hold the bumper on, all that happens is the entire bolt rotates with the nut. Is there a way I can get these off without cutting the bolt.

Are you removing the bumpers from the supports, or the supports straight out of the car? The supports are bolted straight to the frame, two bolts each side, front and rear. 19mm I believe. The bumpers themselves unbolt from the supports by two bolts on each support. The bolt has a square bit that rests in a square hole in the bumper, which allows you to thread on the nut. Pull the trim off the front of the bumper (or just bend it back from the ends on each side) and you should be able to see how this works.

 

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GTI'D_VW

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Discussion starter · #3 · May 25, 2006

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Re: need help removing bumper (onetribe)

Quote, originally posted by onetribe »

Are you removing the bumpers from the supports, or the supports straight out of the car? The supports are bolted straight to the frame, two bolts each side, front and rear. 19mm I believe. The bumpers themselves unbolt from the supports by two bolts on each support. The bolt has a square bit that rests in a square hole in the bumper, which allows you to thread on the nut. Pull the trim off the front of the bumper (or just bend it back from the ends on each side) and you should be able to see how this works.

I was just going to remove the bumper from the supports, but it sounds easier to just remove the supports from the frame. what do you think is easier?

 

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onetribe

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#4 · May 25, 2006

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Re: need help removing bumper (GTI'D_VW)

Quote, originally posted by GTI’D_VW »

I was just going to remove the bumper from the supports, but it sounds easier to just remove the supports from the frame. what do you think is easier?

If you've got a 19mm socket and some sort of breaker bar, you might as well go ahead and remove the supports from the car. Otherwise you're just going to have four big bars sticking out of your car when you remove the bumper. Alternatively you can drill holes in the hydraulic chambers of the support and just drive against a wall nice and gently and compress them in. Then your bumpers will hug your body - but I do believe you're removing them for paint.
The biggest pain in the ass is that the driver's side bolts are under the battery tray, which is of course welded to the car. So it takes a little bit of finesse and some creative ratchet positioning. Just take your battery out and go for it. Total time is like 15 minutes if you can get the bolts loose without too much hassle.

 

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GTI'D_VW

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Discussion starter · #5 · May 25, 2006

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Re: need help removing bumper (onetribe)

Quote, originally posted by onetribe »

If you've got a 19mm socket and some sort of breaker bar, you might as well go ahead and remove the supports from the car. Otherwise you're just going to have four big bars sticking out of your car when you remove the bumper. Alternatively you can drill holes in the hydraulic chambers of the support and just drive against a wall nice and gently and compress them in. Then your bumpers will hug your body - but I do believe you're removing them for paint. The biggest pain in the ass is that the driver's side bolts are under the battery tray, which is of course welded to the car. So it takes a little bit of finesse and some creative ratchet positioning. Just take your battery out and go for it. Total time is like 15 minutes if you can get the bolts loose without too much hassle.

Aight, I will just remove the whole support as long as the rust permits me b/c I'm prepping for paint. Thanks for your help

 

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1980something

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#6 · May 25, 2006

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The only one I had a problem with was the farthest front one on the drivers side. I removed the battery and had a breaker bar. After that I went to a regular ratchet. Rears are cake. Pass side front is cake. Drivers front takes a little bit of time, thats all. Do that one first and the rest will seem like a dream.