Front Bumber Removal 02gt
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Joined: Jun 2005
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Front Bumber Removal 02gt
I'm going to install a new front bumber in the near future, what is all involved in the removal ? [ the airbag device ] I dont want to set it off , any one changed a front bumber on an 02gt, need advice !
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 337
Not too hard
Really not too hard - and you shouldn't set off any airbags unless you try to do it while the car's moving 
. Some things to consider:
1. Don't buy/install a fiberglass bumper cover. There's a reason the factory jobs are urethane - the fiberglass will break. DO buy a bumper from reputable suppliers like Ford, Cervini, Roush, Steeda, etc. I have a Cervini unit that fits better than the oe, and its urethane, of course.
2. Prep and paint the new bumper before installing it. Doing it the other way around results in an inferior job, and may actually cost you more. If you possibly can, test fit the parts before getting them painted. If you need to do some sanding or trimming, it will hurt a lot less if its not already covered in shiney, expensive new paint.
3. Be methodical. Get a shop manual if the bumper doesn't come with instructions with pictures showing the process (most don't). You're going to be removing the foglights, and maybe the headlights, particularly if you have body work to do, and certainly the grill. Most of the bolts and screws are accessed from under the car or from inside the fender wells - put the front end up on ramps of jack stands to get it to where you can access everything, and your working angles will be a lot better. Don't try to force anything in place. The bolt holes are usually slightly elongated to allow for fitting - if they're not, you may have to elongate them with a drill. Take your time with the fitting - this is the most important ingredient in a successful install.
4. If your car has been hit in the front, the urethane bumper will often conceal pretty extensive damage because of its ability to rebound into its remembered shape. If this is the case, be sure to have the car checked out before ordering parts - you may hear bad news that will affect the whole build. The front end support systems of these cars are actually pretty prone to damage in collisions, and this needs to be addressed by a professional shop if you discover lots of bent pieces under the "just scratched up" bumper cover.
Luck with your probject. You can check out my car at www.alfordmustangs.com under tripleblack in the gallery.
(I had a shop do the install - it definitely needed new metalwork underneath!)
tripleblack
. Some things to consider:1. Don't buy/install a fiberglass bumper cover. There's a reason the factory jobs are urethane - the fiberglass will break. DO buy a bumper from reputable suppliers like Ford, Cervini, Roush, Steeda, etc. I have a Cervini unit that fits better than the oe, and its urethane, of course.
2. Prep and paint the new bumper before installing it. Doing it the other way around results in an inferior job, and may actually cost you more. If you possibly can, test fit the parts before getting them painted. If you need to do some sanding or trimming, it will hurt a lot less if its not already covered in shiney, expensive new paint.
3. Be methodical. Get a shop manual if the bumper doesn't come with instructions with pictures showing the process (most don't). You're going to be removing the foglights, and maybe the headlights, particularly if you have body work to do, and certainly the grill. Most of the bolts and screws are accessed from under the car or from inside the fender wells - put the front end up on ramps of jack stands to get it to where you can access everything, and your working angles will be a lot better. Don't try to force anything in place. The bolt holes are usually slightly elongated to allow for fitting - if they're not, you may have to elongate them with a drill. Take your time with the fitting - this is the most important ingredient in a successful install.
4. If your car has been hit in the front, the urethane bumper will often conceal pretty extensive damage because of its ability to rebound into its remembered shape. If this is the case, be sure to have the car checked out before ordering parts - you may hear bad news that will affect the whole build. The front end support systems of these cars are actually pretty prone to damage in collisions, and this needs to be addressed by a professional shop if you discover lots of bent pieces under the "just scratched up" bumper cover.
Luck with your probject. You can check out my car at www.alfordmustangs.com under tripleblack in the gallery.
(I had a shop do the install - it definitely needed new metalwork underneath!)
tripleblack
Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 80
From: Oxnard, CA
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 125
I sure appreciate all the help , going to buy from roush. Lot of ground clearance issue here where I live . Ihave the CDC kit on my car now, but the person I bought it from has drug the ground a few times with minor damage to the front bumper , thought I would purchase a new one , that I liked , have it painted and put it on myself, there are so many to choose from .I prefer the low profile front ends but figure it won't last long around here.
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