Pete@Showstopper

We have had many requests asking how to remove the rear bumper on your C7. We have compiled a quick run through of how to do so. Along the way if you have any pointers please feel free to add to them based on your experience with the removal. This is a fairly easy process and only requires two people when it comes time for the bumper to actually to be removed. Make sure to have a soft area to set the bumper on.


First, you want to start off by loosening the interior trim panel by pulling towards the front of the vehicle. You do not want to remove this completely as it is not necessary. You are just loosening it to reveal the cable that attaches to your trunk latch. Once you locate this, you must remove it from the latch.



Next you want to remove the rubber gasket trim piece that covers the Torx screws that you need to remove. This is done by grabbing it and giving it a wiggle. You should be able to remove the entire trim piece by doing so. If it does not wiggle out, a flat head screw driver will help by depressing the tabs to they come out easier. Once this trim piece is removed, you will see the T15 screws that need to be removed.



After you remove the t15 screws along the top, it is time to start removing fasteners towards the bottom. In order to do this, remove your rear license plate. You will reveal two 10mm bolts. Remove these.



Once those two bolts behind the license plate are removed there are two additional 10mm bolts that also need to be removed that are located just above the exhaust tip. You will most likely need a short 6 inch extension for these.



Next, way at the bottom of the bumper there will be a total of 10 7mm bolts that need to be removed. 5 on the left and 5 on the right.



Once the 7mm bolts on the bottom of the bumper are removed the next step will be to remove the mudflaps that are just snapped into the bumper. It is best to use a plastic pry tool to get this started then once it is started you can pull the rest off by hand. After this mudflap is removed, it will reveal two t15 torx screws. Remove these as well.





This next step is a little tedious. You need a small tool that has a hook on it. You want to hook the tool in the mesh part of the bezel around your taillights. Pulling back, the corner will release. Once the corner is released you will be able to persuade the rest of the bezel out. Do this same step for the other side.





Now that the bezel is out, you will reveal a t15 torx screw. Remove that screw. You want to repeat this for the other side as well.


So all of the bolts are removed. What do you do next? This is when you want to call over a neighbor to give you a hand. One person should be on each side of the car. Grab the bumper and pull straight back. Don't be afraid. It will seem like you are breaking stuff but you are not. Once you pull back, you will need to fish the rest of the cable out that was connected to your trunk latch. In additions to this there are two electrical connectors that also need to be disconnected. After this is all done, your bumper is free.

3pitbulls

Thanks ,, this is a great post and it should come in handy when I get ready to install my new rear z51 style spoler..on the Stingray.

ewingfly

Great write up. Should be made a sticky

PARANORMAL

Thank you for taking the time to do this. This will facilitate the purchase and installation process of your spoiler for many.

Pete@Showstopper

No problem. That's what this community is for.

Vetteman Jack

Thanks for taking the time to document and post up this info.

Pete@Showstopper

No problem. Hope it helps someone out.

1SG

My spoiler came in after they delivered the car, so I used your instructions to install it myself, worked great!! Thanks for posting them.

One thing I didn't do was take the bumper all the way off, just pulled it back enough to get the nuts on, a little tedious, but all went well.

Again thanks for taking the time.

Cal

PARANORMAL

Did you have to drill the holes to install this spoiler or was this a replacement for another spoiler?
If you drilled the holes did you remove the tail lights ?
Thanks

1SG

Yes I had to drill 13/32 holes (9). No I did not remove the tail lights. It would be easier with them out, but got all nuts tight with a little more effort. Just be careful when the drill goes through. Used a ratchet wrench that has a swivel head, and a small ratchet worked. You can get to a couple of the nuts through the tail lights. Took 2 hours

Pete@Showstopper

I am glad this is helping folks out.

whycare

Just wanted to say thanks for the post! Just put a high wing rear spoiler on and this was the best picture post I found.

whycare

before





before side





New high wing spoiler





New high wing spoiler<br/>

osunick

My rear bumper isn't all that well aligned on the left side. Is there a way to adjust how it sits without removing all the bolts? Thanks!

CeeSeven

Thanks Pete, This is a real help in getting to the area needed to install a tow hook receiver that Chev so thoughtfully did not install unless you get a European car. Did they really think all the racing organizations were just going to let us C7 owners slide???

Pete@Showstopper

Hopefully it helped a bit.

thrilled

A body shop had to take the rear bumper off to install A Z51 spoiler.The body man that
Did it said it was quite easy to do.
I'm still glad I didn't do it.

Jbal

Installed by a local vette shop! Love the high-wing spoiler!

macdaddy548

Very helpful post as my next project is installation of my Z06 tail lights.

VETJAZZ

I may have to try this. Thanks for the teach.