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C6 Corvette: How to Remove Front Bumper

Is your front bumper cracked or otherwise damaged? Do you want to install a custom bumper that gives your C6 a more aggressive look? Whatever the reason, read on to learn how to properly replace the front bumper on your Corvette with this handy, step-by-step guide.

By Brett Foote - January 30, 2015

This article applies to the C6 Corvette (2005-2013).

Replacing the front bumper on a car is often done out of necessity. Maybe you misjudged the distance between the front of your Corvette and that light pole, or perhaps someone crashed her/his bike into the front of it. Maybe, you just want to install a custom bumper that gives your C6 a more aggressive look. Whatever the reason, you'll be glad to hear that replacing the front bumper on a C6 Corvette isn't a terribly hard task and you can complete it yourself with relative ease. A bumper could cost between $200 (for used) to $800 (for a new one).

Materials Needed

  • 10mm socket
  • Panel puller or flat head screwdriver

Step 1 – Remove fender liner plugs and nuts

There are five plugs holding the fender liners in place. These plugs are located near the opening of the fender. Remove those plugs and pop out the reflector on each side of the bumper. There are also three 10mm nuts you must remove.

Figure 1. Remove the fender liner plugs, reflectors, and 10mm nuts.

Step 2 – Remove screws from top of bumper

On the top of the bumper (beneath the weather stripping), you will find a series of screws. Remove these first. Carefully pull on the top corner of the bumper to pop it out.

Figure 2. Remove the screws along the top of the bumper and carefully pop it out.

Step 3 – Remove screws from bottom of bumper

Next, remove the two screws and two 10mm nuts underneath the bottom of the bumper. Pop out the other top corner of the bumper and close the hood. Then, pull the bumper forward.

Figure 3. There are two screws and two 10mm bolts holding the bottom of the bumper in place.

Step 4 – Remove plugs on sides of bumper

There are two plugs on each side of the bumper. These can be removed using an interior panel puller or flat head screwdriver. Once these plugs are removed the bumper will come off. Carefully set it aside. Once this is done, the bumper should be free. Gently pull the bumper outwards. If there is any resistance during removal, double check the other for any missed clips or fasteners.

Figure 4. There are two plugs on each side of the bumper that must be removed.

Pro Tip

Use two people to remove the bumper. It is not heavy, but it can be unwieldy.

Step 5 – Install new bumper

Repeat the first four steps in reverse to install the new bumper. First, replace the two plugs on each side of the bumper. Carefully push the bumper back into place. Re-install the two 10mm bolts and two screws on the bottom, followed by the screws along the top. Replace the fender liner plugs on each side and the three 10mm nuts.

Figure 5. View of a finished installed bumper.

Featured Video: How to Remove Chevy C6 Corvette Bumper and Headlights

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