'79 front bumper cover removal
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Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 52
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From: Arlington Massachusetts
'79 front bumper cover removal
So I'm trying to get the paint repaired on my 79. Took it to the shop and after getting some estimates I decided I would try to keep the price down by removing the front bumper cover myself. I couldn't find all too much information out there, how difficult is it to remove this cover? Anyone have a guide or some reference pics, tips/suggestions? Any hardware I should expect to have to replace? Am I in over my head? Currently I'm away from home but I'd like to know what I'm in for once I get back.
Last edited by Julius Rosenthal; May 26, 2018 at 03:42 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
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From: Charlotte NC
Just be aware that the studs can SNAP off in a second due to they are 10-32 threads on them.
Whatever you do..TRY to keep all of the nuts that hold it on due to being special spinning washer nuts.
A 6 point 3/8"ocket is what I use so I do not round off the nuts due to they are shallow.
I also go in with a Q-Tip and will apply some penetration oil on the threads of the studs. I do no go in and spray the stuff all over the place.
I not typing out the entire process. But If you PM me I can give you my shop number and you can call me when you are ready. That is the best I can do on this.
DUB
Whatever you do..TRY to keep all of the nuts that hold it on due to being special spinning washer nuts.
A 6 point 3/8"ocket is what I use so I do not round off the nuts due to they are shallow.
I also go in with a Q-Tip and will apply some penetration oil on the threads of the studs. I do no go in and spray the stuff all over the place.
I not typing out the entire process. But If you PM me I can give you my shop number and you can call me when you are ready. That is the best I can do on this.
DUB
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 195
From: Englewood FL
It is easier to remove some of the nuts securing the top of the bumper accessing them from the top. To do this, raise the headlights and remove the bezels. Then you can reach the nuts in front of the headlights. The nuts on the upper side of the bumper and the center of the bumper, you have to remove by feel, as you cannot see them.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
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From: Charlotte NC
Hmmmm....Interesting. I always got them off from under the car or through where I had removed the park grilles. Because you have to get under the car to get to the center nuts anyway.
I do agree that raising the headlight doors a must. But I generally do not remove the headlight bezels due the two machine screws that hold the bezel on at the top are well know to want to snap off. Getting to the two nuts right in front of the headlight bezel is do-able from the park grille area.
DUB
I do agree that raising the headlight doors a must. But I generally do not remove the headlight bezels due the two machine screws that hold the bezel on at the top are well know to want to snap off. Getting to the two nuts right in front of the headlight bezel is do-able from the park grille area.
DUB
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 321
Likes: 16
From: Ontario
So I'm trying to get the paint repaired on my 79. Took it to the shop and after getting some estimates I decided I would try to keep the price down by removing the front bumper cover myself. I couldn't find all too much information out there, how difficult is it to remove this cover? Anyone have a guide or some reference pics, tips/suggestions? Any hardware I should expect to have to replace? Am I in over my head? Currently I'm away from home but I'd like to know what I'm in for once I get back.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
Keep in mind that I work on Corvettes that are not in salt. So about 98% of the time the retainers are in very good condition.
DUB
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 195
From: Englewood FL
Hmmmm....Interesting. I always got them off from under the car or through where I had removed the park grilles. Because you have to get under the car to get to the center nuts anyway.
I do agree that raising the headlight doors a must. But I generally do not remove the headlight bezels due the two machine screws that hold the bezel on at the top are well know to want to snap off. Getting to the two nuts right in front of the headlight bezel is do-able from the park grille area.
DUB
I do agree that raising the headlight doors a must. But I generally do not remove the headlight bezels due the two machine screws that hold the bezel on at the top are well know to want to snap off. Getting to the two nuts right in front of the headlight bezel is do-able from the park grille area.
DUB
The reason I remove the headlight bezels, is that on the cars I have removed the bumpers, is because I am going to repaint them. So I need to remove the bezels anyway so I can apply a fresh coat of paint while they are off the car. Your right it is very easy to snap off the upper screws and I have done that.
I find it is easier for me to reach thru the headlight openings then reach up thru the grill area to gain access to the retaining nuts.
Once I remove the headlight bezel retaining screws, I use a generous coating of anti-seize so I can remove them again for changing a headlight when needed.
I have also managed to snap the machine screws off the bumper retainers when removing the nuts. I don't have a welder so have used a bubba technique for installing new machine screws: I purchased some carriage style machine screws. I then knocked out the remaining portion of the factory machine screws and pressed in the new machine screws. Since they have a square flange as part of the head they stay in position on the factory retainer.
Last edited by mark79,80; May 27, 2018 at 09:38 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
I am a novice home mechanic at best, and not a professional like yourself and greatly appreciate your contributions to the forum.
The reason I remove the headlight bezels, is that on the cars I have removed the bumpers, is because I am going to repaint them. So I need to remove the bezels anyway so I can apply a fresh coat of paint while they are off the car. Your right it is very easy to snap off the upper screws and I have done that.
I find it is easier for me to reach thru the headlight openings then reach up thru the grill area to gain access to the retaining nuts.
Once I remove the headlight bezel retaining screws, I use a generous coating of anti-seize so I can remove them again for changing a headlight when needed.
I have also managed to snap the machine screws off the bumper retainers when removing the nuts. I don't have a welder so have used a bubba technique for installing new machine screws: I purchased some carriage style machine screws. I then knocked out the remaining portion of the factory machine screws and pressed in the new machine screws. Since they have a square flange as part of the head they stay in position on the factory retainer.
The reason I remove the headlight bezels, is that on the cars I have removed the bumpers, is because I am going to repaint them. So I need to remove the bezels anyway so I can apply a fresh coat of paint while they are off the car. Your right it is very easy to snap off the upper screws and I have done that.
I find it is easier for me to reach thru the headlight openings then reach up thru the grill area to gain access to the retaining nuts.
Once I remove the headlight bezel retaining screws, I use a generous coating of anti-seize so I can remove them again for changing a headlight when needed.
I have also managed to snap the machine screws off the bumper retainers when removing the nuts. I don't have a welder so have used a bubba technique for installing new machine screws: I purchased some carriage style machine screws. I then knocked out the remaining portion of the factory machine screws and pressed in the new machine screws. Since they have a square flange as part of the head they stay in position on the factory retainer.
I was not saying that how you did it is wrong. I was just letting people know that IF they are not painting the car...the headlight bezels do not have come out. Because as you know those machine screws can snap off and that is just one other thing that will need to be fixed.
The reason I weld or braze the new machine studs in the retainer is so they can not back out of the retainer and spin. Thus making it harder to try to get the nut back off. I have tried the carriage bolt style and still had to tack weld or braze them on to the retainer due to the numerous times I put on and take of a fiberglass bumper when I am fitting it up. IF they are not welded to the retainer..they will get loose and cause for problems.
DUB
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Napa Valley California
If you are new to the corvette and not real sure of what it takes to disassemble or reassembly one (like me and many others) order a shop manual and AIM for your year through one of the forum vendors, and it will give you expert instructions and illustrations.
DUB, is an expert on this forum, helps many members, and you can always rely on his help and advise.
DUB, is an expert on this forum, helps many members, and you can always rely on his help and advise.
