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I ran a search for this but couldn't really find anything. I'm basically wondering if there's a write up or anything on how to take off the rear lip thing? The little black plastic piece on the bottom of the rear bumper
I saw 2 screws on the far ends but didn't see much in the middle...
Over here...I can help you ! First of all you must understand that the piece is designed to come off AFTER the bumper is removed. Understanding that - However we can proceed to remove it with the bumper in place, just a little modification. Going on memory here since it been several years since I removed my last one ( and I ain't going out in the cold to double check for you
Yes, there are two or three short screws on each side of the piece. The piece has snaps that place and snap up into the bumper. Look for them. But the most challenging of all is the two studs on each side that retain the molding to the fender. You remove one nut on each side and separate the flanges there that sandwich the mold and try to slip the plastic mold up over the top of the stud. It is tough, but I found it far easier to simply slice the plastic molding where the stud protrudes thru it and slip it off. Look at it and you'll see what I mean. It re-installs easily and retains with a SS washer.
I can show you two currently on the ground and the bumpers still on
You go out and study it hard from what I explained to you. Then if you have further questions post them here. I believe you'll understand once you are back under the car.
Mine got melted by the exhaust and started falling off on the right side. I guess the plastic was getting really old and brittle too. After a month or so of looking like **** and not having any time to properly remove it, I finally got pissed off and just ripped it off. No damage to the rear bumper or anything but the screws that held it in place are still there. To properly remove it all you have to do is just remove the screws that hold it in place then compress the plastic part of the lip that is in the main bumper and pull down.
^^ty i got that much just havent had the chance to go under and locate them so just wanted to see if anyone could shed some light to where they were located... but im just getting flamed instead hahah
Bumping this instead of starting a new thread in case there are new tips over the last 8 years.
I'm looking to replace my rear valance without removing the bumper, but it requires perhaps a little more pulling and tugging of the stock bumper than I'm comfortable with.
You're better off removing the rear bumper to do this job. It's a pain but there isn't a good shortcut.
Generally you remove the tail lights and remove the plastic panel at the back of the hatch. You will probably have to partially detach the two side panels in the hatch.
Remove the bolts along the top of the bumper and get your arm down into the well on either side to remove the 3 nuts on each side holding the bumper in. I think there may be another fastener on the side that you get to from underneath, it's been a while.
Those inside bolts are the WORST, you don't have good access and it's cramped in there. You're working by feel. 1/4" drive tools and fine-tooth ratchets help out here.
I don’t recall being that hard to remove the rear plastic when I did mine 2 years ago, I think I just lay under the bumper with many 10mm tools in different size and shape and just feel it with my hands.
I just looked for "RX-7 rear bumper" on Ebay and got great detailed pics of how the lower valence mounts to the rear bumper.
There are seven screws that screw the lower valence to the rear bumper through clip nuts.
The outermost Left and Right and all three middle screw heads are positioned with the heads pointed down toward the pavement when mounted (easy to get to). The Left and Right 2nd to outermost screws are positioned with the heads pointed up away from the pavement when mounted (hard to get to).
There are eight plastic tabs on the lower valence that slide into slots in the rear bumper to position it correctly.
It's been years since I removed that little black valence thing, but I don't remember it being difficult and I'm pretty sure I didn't need to remove the bumper.
I just cut the valance mount tab on one side of it's hole and opened it up enough to push it around the stud. Once you tighten the nut, the tab is locked in.
You could fight trying to remove a stud under the car with limited access for 15 minutes or pull the bumper off and have easy access to everything .
There is a right way and a wrong way for sure.
BlackEuropa
I just cut the valance mount tab on one side of it's hole and opened it up enough to push it around the stud. Once you tighten the nut, the tab is locked in.
See, its ideas like this that get me to do things the wrong way.
It's also possible that you would spend a half hour under the car trying to fight to get to the rusty screws and get them all off. Or have the bumper off with easy access to everything.
Also, for those screws, JIS screwdriver would be a HUGE help. I'm constantly amazed with how well that joker works.
12-24-08, 03:44 AM
