Removing rear bumperettes - how easy?

[billjam]

How easy is it to remove the rear bumperettes?
Can it be done without removing the bumper and valance?
It is a while since I've had the back end of a 911 apart and I can't recall the dismantling sequence.

I am asking because I have two cars in LA with good bumperettes that I don't need and I am considering offering them for sale (cheap) if they are easy to remove. I am travelling in the east at present so can't eyeball the cars to check for myself.
These two cars will be on their way to Australia soon and I will be changing the bumperettes to Euro style, so those UGLY US-style boobs can stay here if someone is interested (and able to remove them).

[Baz]

If I recall correctly - I think I removed my muffler to get at the nuts easier. That's all I can remember, except I'm pretty sure the bumper itself stayed bolted on.

HTH,
Baz

[dw1]

While possible to remove the bumperettes with the muffler in place (at least on my '87) it is farr from easy unless you have Gumby-like arms.

It was far easier with the muffler out, especially since the nuts were frozen in place - at least one of the nuts was so frozen on that it came out of the bumperette instead of the nut coming off of the stud.

Removing the bumper to cover the bumperette holes, clean and/or repaint the bumper, install & wire different license plate lights, etc., really do require muffler removal.

Of course, if you have to remove the muffler, it's also a good time to upgrade the exhaust. ;-)

(The slippery slope beckons.)

-Dan
------------------------------------------
black/black '87 sunroof coupe w. f/r spoilers, dansk 1-in-2-out, fabspeed euro premuffler, sw chip, euro ride height, bump steer kit, bumperettes deleted, CDR220, etc.

[billjam]

Thanks guys. You confirmed my suspicions that it involved more than a bit of simple spanner twisting.
I think I'll forget this plan and leave them in place until I get the cars home.

Dan, the slope has well and truly begun if you only knew what parts I have been buying up over the past month or two.

[Cattler]

Disagree--I have an 87 as well and am not very slick with the tools. Removal of the bumperettes was really easy. Lay on your back and look up there. You'll see the nuts and be able to get at them with the muffler in place. Be careful when you pull them off the bumper. If you pull too hard, you'll damage the license plate light assemblies and need to replace them.

David

[flatsixjunky]

Originally Posted by Cattler

Disagree--I have an 87 as well and am not very slick with the tools. Removal of the bumperettes was really easy. Lay on your back and look up there. You'll see the nuts and be able to get at them with the muffler in place. Be careful when you pull them off the bumper. If you pull too hard, you'll damage the license plate light assemblies and need to replace them.

David

+1, I have an '89 and I remember that I used a 1/2 inch extension on a 3/8 ratchet, I don't recall the socket but it was quite easy, if you raise the car a little.

[sig_a]

I have an 1987 911. I removed the three nuts that appear to secure the bumperette to the bumper, but it wouldn't budge. I don't see any other fastener to remove. BTW, the mounting nuts at the inside of the bumper are easy to get to without removal of M&K muffler.

What am I missing?

[DRACO A5OG]

Just tap on the bumberettes, they will loosen then remove, be warned they are allot heavier than they appear also the license plate lights wiring is attached so do not let it drop. Debris and some calcium deposit may have lodged there but there is nothing else but those 3 13MM nuts to hold them

[will hung]

When I removed my bumperettes, I completely deleted them. As a result, I had to re-wire the license plate lights. I could have removed the bumperettes by simply using an extension, but to get a little extra space to wire the lights, I removed the valance.

[darcher]

How does it look w/ them off? Can you adapt the front rub strip to replace them and make the back bumper a smooth as the front? I think my wife's car would look better w/ them off...

[lgowin]

Go through this thread....The official modified bumpers thread!!!

Regards,
Lawrence
'88 911
'71 Alfa GTV

[Craig_D]

It's very easy...took me 15 minutes to remove the bumperettes. I had some oxidation of the paint on one side which caused me to repaint the bumper, but that wasn't too bad...took a Sunday to prep and paint.

I currently just have plastic plugs in the bolt holes, but since it's a black car they don't really stand out. The bumper is stout enough for city use and I really like the cleaner look without the 14 lbs of rubber far out back...

Cheers,

- Craig_D

[jrolstin]

I never noticed until you posted about it... looks nice actually, but somehow I like the bumperettes... Is that bad?

[Ronnie's.930]

Originally Posted by jrolstin

I never noticed until you posted about it... looks nice actually, but somehow I like the bumperettes... Is that bad?

I'm right there with you on that - I prefer the double Ds over the A cups for sure. This comes up from time to time, and most people on this board seem to think they are ugly for some reason. Personally, I think they look cool, distinctive and correct and the cars with them removed look like they are missing something . . .

[R505]

It was easy...30 minutes, lot's of dirt and crud back by the bolts too! I like the look without.

Rich

[will hung]

I saw a few cars from the UK that did it and knew right away that I wanted to do it. I particularly think it looks good from a side profile. In my eyes, the impact bumper 911's have a little too much rear overhang, so eliminating the bumperette's kind of tighten up their rears. Plus you are removing weight from the worst place Porsche could have placed it.

[Rikao4]

the only thing between me and that semi hitting & then pushing me ...
was those two blocks...
car would have been totaled otherwise...
replaced them with 2 new ones..

Rika

[NoLift911]

Tumors - much better without not to mention having that weight in the very wrong place...remove.

In terms of crash protection - a metal bumper is what will save the car along with the crush tubes.

[89911]

The bumperettes are for low speed (5-10mph) impacts that have everything to do with insurance premiums and rates for coverage. Saying you like how they look is a personal issue and some like to keep their cars "original". Saying these will protect you from a major collision is just incorrect.

[trak ratt]

A large U bolt in two of the holes works well as a rear tow hook For some reason I can no longer upload pics (from any computer) or I'd show you what I mean.