Front Bumper rusting - how do I replace?
 

One of lil' black bumper pieces is about 1/8 of an inch out from where it's supposed to be. I looked at it and saw that the bolt that holds it on has rusted inside the bumer itself.

How do I fix this? Do I need a new bumper, seeing as it looks like the old one is rusted inside, or do I just need a new bolt?

....and how do I change whatever need to be changed?

Thanks,

944SBoyeee

You probably just need a new bumper pad. They are easy to get at from the rear, but the front ones you have to take the nosepanel off to get at them. I had to replace one on my car and it was no big deal.SmileWavy

Ok want to be a cheapskate like me?

You need to get under the bumper and take the pads off. Likely the nut is rusted so bad that it will snap the shaft coming out of the pad. That is ok.

Now with the pad off. Dig out the metal that is in the bumper pad itself. Make sure you leave the rubber that is dirrectly behind where the old mounting shaft was on the pad. Once you have it all out clean it up. Then go out and find a nice large sheet metal or wood bolt with a good size head. Also find some robust plastic washers.

This is easier if the bumper is removed but can be done with it in place. Take the pad and place it back on the bumper. Now put the washer on the bolt and screw the bolt into the rubber bumper pad. The washer is important because you do not want the steel bolt to be resting against the aluminum bumper (galvanic corrosion). Then screw the bolt in nice and tight.... but not to tight. If you go to much you will pull the rubber right out of the pad.

Anyway it will securly hold the pumper pad to the bumper. Now if anyone were to use the pad as a step.... it will likely tear out.... but who the heck is going to do that!

Other wise look for good used samples... note that most do not show the back when they are selling them for the same reason that yours are coming off for. So make sure you have them photo the back if you are purchasing over the net. Or you can talk to Wayne :-) and get them from Pelican Parts.

Oh I just performed this surgury on my 924 pads.... it worked perfectly. And this from a guy who can get good used parts cheap. Man am I a cheap skate or what.

Eric
Eric.Lynch@itt.com

So, how do I get at the bolt that runs from the front bumper into the pad itself?? Can I get at it from under the car, or as Crippler said - do I have to take the nose panel off?

944S Boyeee

I think you can just reach up under and snake a flexable head socket in there. I will check tonight and let you know. I am out of here now. I will look on the 944 and let you know.

Eric

You might be able to get at them from underneath, but I couldn't fit my arm up in there so I had to take the nose panel off. It isn't really that hard to get off. Though if I were you I would try to get at it from underneath first.

The only thing holding the bumber on is 2 metric SHCS. Find the proper allen wrench or socket at stick it up the 2 round holes underneath the bumper, turn out the screws and the bumper is in your hands.

ch944

That is what I suggest also. Like I said above it is easier if the bumper is off. Just make sure to have a nice work area with a blanket down to protect the bumper from scratches.

Eric

Ch944 - now removing those two screws will remove the whole bumper, or just the black rubber pads??

What is rusted out in my case? - would it be the screw that goes into the black bumper part or the part in the black bumper that hold the screw?? Anyone know how much those lil black bumper pieces are??

Thanks for all the help, by the way - I keep forgetting how much the people here rock!!

944S Boyeee

They are $82 new at Pelican parts
http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/944M/por_944M_weathr_main.htm

I might be able to get you some good used ones. I can check if you are interested.

There are two large bolts that you can access from under the front bumper. Check for the two circular holes in the bumper and look up into them. If you remove these two the bumper can be slid forward and off of the car. Make sure you disconnect the turn signal/side marker lights first... or you might damage the wires or connectors.

Anyway once the bumper is off it is real easy to take the pads off. Just make sure you protect the bumper from scratches like I said. When you remove the two nuts on the pads they can just be pulled off the pumper.

Does that answer your question?

Eric
Eric.Lynch@itt.com

That did the trick!! Thanks again. I'll let you know on that bumperette - once I have it all off, I'll see if I need a new bumperette or just a new screw.

Hey remember if you pull out the metal in the bumper pad you will be a few grams lighter... more speed ha ha.

Good luck.

Eric