Bumper cover help 1996 ETC

CT_ETC · #1 (**permalink**) 12-29-08, 05:34 PM

I bought a '96 ETC from my brother... after a new transmission, catalytic converter, coolant system flush, and two new ignition coils, it's doing 0-60 in less than 7, and then I go and smack a fence post while pulling into my partner's driveway (NOT at 60 MPH). Now the front bumper cover on the driver's side is pushed in and won't come out.

How is it attached? Is there a piston behind it? Would I be able to fix it my self?

Any help would be great.

N*Caddy · #2 (**permalink**) 12-29-08, 10:27 PM

Yup, there is a piston behind. Is full of oil. You need to remove the bumper cover and then remove the piston: two screws in front and one in the back (sideways about 10 inches back). Probably the weld is broken; you can pretty much pull it back to specs (either with a hammer or a fancy-pulling tool).

xPosTech · #3 (**permalink**) 12-29-08, 10:29 PM

If you're talking about the semi-flexible painted bumper I've had good luck with a heat gun. If you can get a hand in behind the dent you should be able to pop it back out.

Keep the gun about 6 or 8 inches from the dent. Heat up the dent and an inch or two of the surrounding area. Keep sampling the temp and flex or give of the dent. When it's hot to the touch and has a little flexibility give it a good push at the back of the dent. It should spring back out and be almost unnoticeable or not at all.

Use good judgment applying the heat. If you bubble the paint with too much heat it will be an expensive fix. Keep the gun moving. If you stop it moving it will bubble.

Do a little research. It's not that hard. When it pops back out you will be very proud of yourself. A body shop will charge you hundreds to do that.

Edit: Yeah just noticed the piston. I'm talking about the dented cover.

Good luck.
Ted

CT_ETC · #4 (**permalink**) 01-06-09, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N*Caddy

Yup, there is a piston behind. Is full of oil. You need to remove the bumper cover and then remove the piston: two screws in front and one in the back (sideways about 10 inches back). Probably the weld is broken; you can pretty much pull it back to specs (either with a hammer or a fancy-pulling tool).

Oooh! And maybe a chance to play with an oxy-acetylene torch!

The bumper cover bolts should be pretty straight forward?

Raze · #5 (**permalink**) 01-06-09, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CT_ETC

Oooh! And maybe a chance to play with an oxy-acetylene torch!

My guess is he is going to need alot more than a new transmission when all is said and done...

Get a BFH, much safer for you, your car, and those around you...

N*Caddy · #6 (**permalink**) 01-06-09, 10:41 PM

No I would not use any flame around the piston, suppose to be filled with oil (also under pressure). The FSM recommends (I guess) drilling a hole on the rear side to release the pressure.
Just pull the thing out is pretty tight.