I am taking off/installing a new bumper for my 2002 WRX and was wondering if anyone knows of an install guide? Any tips/guidelines are appreciated. Thanks.

 

nice pix, cars lookin great

 

i did this to my 03 RS a while ago.

i am looking for a stock 02 bumper too... but that's another story.

basically- take off grill side peices

take off grill

take off lights

go around all sides of the bumper. there will be LOTS of little black plastic clips holding it to the car and the fenderwells/underwell. save these things because you'll kick yourself afterwards if you didn't.

be sure to unclip the two clips that hold the sides of the bumper to the metal fender. there are only two, but these are the most sturdy mounting points and no matter what new bumper you put on, you'll use these points so make sure you know where they are.

now you probably have to get rid of the foam bumper-cushion. it's pretty much heavy styrofoam and should come right off.

now do you need to modify or take off the actual metal bumper? if so, the bolts should be accessible by now... but make sure you've disconnected the battery because i know the airbag sensor is in there, don't want that going off.

do what you have to do to the bumper beam. put it back on if you took it off.

now test fit the bumper. it might need some 'persuasion' in the form of hitting, cutting, bending, or simple forcing... but it should lay across the bumper beam and line up so you can bolt it to the fenders using those mount points you uncliped earlier.

get it as perfect as you can, and test fit the lights, gril, and grill sides back on to make sure it's fitting right. tighten everything up and reinstall any loose clips you can.




it won't look too terrible as long as you take your time with it and work carefully and purposefully.

it took me three hours to put mine on, but it had already been fitted to a 2002 so it was off in some places but for the most part ready to go.

if your part is new, it depends on the fitment. might give you less trouble, might give you more.

it's not rocket science- if you want to i say go for it. but if you have the money and have a strong urge to call the pros, you'll save yourself a lot of time and probably be a lot more satisfied not having to worry about screwing something up.

 

Thanks.




















Sorry posting in the wrong category....

 

Thanks for the write-up it helped me out. I have a 02 MBP bumper for sale, its got a tear by the tow hook cover and some other scratches as well. Let me know if your interested.

 

while i'm tempted, i'm in NC and i probably wouldn't want to ship it... are you anywhere near NC?

oh, and happy birthday this friday.

 

Thanks!



Unfortunatly, no. I'm in California