Darkred88

I'm having some paint work done on my 88 Coupe, and the rear bumper cover needs to come off. The body shop is telling me that they'll have to drop the gas tank and exhaust to get it off. Is this true?

MaxDaemon

I was wondering the same thing - I did a search and found a couple threads. One of them said basically that - the other one didn't mention having to do any of that. I have a feeling the "official GM flat rate book" probably lists taking it all apart, and the "cheap and dirty backyard mechanic" found another way around it.

Anyone out there have any real world experience that I didn't see posted?

One thing I noted of interest - the posting mentioned that if you only want it apart far enough to paint it, you don't even have to take the lights loose, just pull the cover off far enough to be able to do masking. Obviously, like everything else, it depends on whether you're looking for show car finish or not, I suppose.

tbirdsps

You can't get the gas tank out with the bumper cover on. So, they have it wrong.

PLRX

If I was you I would look for a different auto body shop. Obviously they do not know a damn thing about car parts.

The rear fascia comes off with experience and patience.

gerardvg

No way that is BS.

Below are pictures 15 years ago when i changed the car to the 91-96 bumpers, as you can see the exhaust and gas tank is still there.
You can reach the bolts easilly, the top ones by removing the filler cover for easy access.

Having a Babe to help with slender arms and hands really helps.

As the saying goes.
Run forrest run.

Dt86

Absolutely untrue.

FASTAZU

That's what they are telling you so they can add an upcharge... or they know nothing about a C4.

Allentown Ernie

That is true. Most shops know nothing about a C-4. Why would they? Most shops have never worked on a C-4. Lets face the fact that our cars are older than most of the techs that do the work in most body shops.

cohocarl

It's not a fun job that I'd want to do every day, but it can be done.
I reached in through license plate area (remove spare tire retaining bracket gives you more room), removed the tail lights, then reached in and removed the nuts holding the bumper on.
If you do it yourself, make sure you wear a long sleeve shirt.



(I found the front bumper to be more of a P.I.A. to remove and replace than the rear.)

Dt86

Aint that the truth! Im waiting to see if putting it back on is worse than taking it off. Hahaha

Rod Schneider

Interesting since the video of the last C4 manufactured shows the rear bumper cover installed before the gas tank is installed.......
That said, it is very possible to remove the cover without dropping the tank, long arms help......

96GS#007

Time for a new body shop. The bumper cover is easily removed with the tank in place....