~ Anno Domini

Quick question: Is it possible to remove the upper half of the back bumper only without removing the lower half, OR do both have to come off at the same time. I need to remove the top half for some body work near the gas lid. Peace and salute for any advice.

383vett

The rear bumper is one whole piece. The belt line is just a moulding.

~ Anno Domini

Thank you so much, 383vett. I am slow today so I am assuming you mean the rear bumper (top and bottom) is one whole piece and comes off as one whole piece. I have already loosened all the bolts off the top piece. The bottom bolts seem harder to find. I am looking for them. If anyone has any tips on removing the bottom bolts it would be very helpful.

xrav22

You have to remove the wheel wells, I usually remove them and put the tires back on then you can still drive.
Long extension helps.

corvetteronw

Couple of pics that shows the rear end of a C4:

Blackcorvette_85

The bottom bolts are easier than the tops, so at least you have that. Just a few on the bottom 2 behind the license plate and I think two on each side where it goes under the rear fender and the ones in the wheel wells

~ Anno Domini

Do I really have to remove the tires to take the bumper off or can I loosen the bolts to the wheel well where the bumper attaches? The reason I am doing this is because I have to take the car to the body shop for them to do a repair up top near the gas lid. I plan to loosen everything on the bumper except for two bolts up top and maybe two on the bottom to secure the bumper for the drive there, then they can easily remove the bumper for the repair. But do I have to remove the tires to take the bumper off ? PS -- all your pics and comments are helpful. TY.

~ Anno Domini

I may have to abandon this. One of the studs from the lower support bar stabilizing the right rear quarter just snapped off due to rust. The left rear stabilizing bar stud is rusty too. I had all the top bolts undone too.

~ Anno Domini

Unfortunately I had to stop trying to remove the rear bumper due to the bottom bumper studs/bolts being too rusted. The stud for the support bar stabilizing the right rear quarter snapped off due to rust. I looked at the other side and it is too risky to try and take it off without breaking. I am going to have to try and secure the broken stabilizer bar on the right side. It it bolted on the bottom of the bar, but the top part where it broke off the stud will rattle if driving. I will most likely glue it to the broken stud with black silicone. I will use silicone only because it would be easy to remove in the future if needed, but silicone may not be strong enough to hold it. In summary, I was able remove all the top nuts and screws for the upper bumper, the brake lights, license plate, fuel door, but hit a brick wall when I got to the bottom. Not good. Thank you for all your help anyways.