So I'm trying to swap out my sisters 99 gxe (we are parting it or junking it) rear bumper for my 98 SE bumper. The problem is I cannot get the bolts off mine. My car has (sadly) spent the last 6 years in Iowa and it's caused most of the bolts to rust... and in some cases disintegrate. How do I get these things off? I'm worried that if i pull too hard I'll break the plastic.

Also I want to replace the license plate screws but while they are rusted and I can get them to turn nothing happens. I figured I'd take a look from behind after pulling off the bumper but since that is becoming a pita I'm unsure of what to do next.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

You have two options on the bumper bolts

1) Heat
2) Impact chisel hammer

The license plate bolts you'll just have to rip out and use a nut and bolt in the future.

How do I rip said bolts out? How does heat help me in this situation? (I really don't know)... i may not end up doing this if it's a big job... I don't have much time before I have to head back to school in the midwest

For the license plate, get a drill and drill the heads off the bolts. Slide the plates off and then you should be able to remove them. Other option is if you can get a panel tool with a wide enough V to wedge between the bolt and the plates apply pressure and use a drill with a socket adapter to back it off. Sorry cant help with the bumper.

get a cold chizzel and hit it with a hammer to break the nut off to remove the bumper im assuming you are not reusing your old bumper? there are 3 or 4 bolt down each quarter panel accessable through the trunk

OP sates that he IS reusing the old bumper, gonna go on his sister's car.

This is your best choice. Also, when you use a nut and bolt for the new license plate, use Stainless steel nut and bolt to prevent it from rusting in the future. Not sure why manufactures don't just use stainless to begin with. Probably cost but whatever.

Drill the heads off. Use a smaller bit to start a hole, then go into that with a bigger one. Once you cut through the head will come off, then you'll just have to get the threads off. I'm assuming the heads are rusted to where you can not get a socket on.

If you CAN get a socket on, just put it on, twist, and break the head off. I wouldn't apply head to these parts.

I just did a mirror the other day and the bolts were rusted to where a socket couldn't be put on. I simply drilled the head off and went from there. Was very simple. Be sure to have a good drill and some good bits. I use a 19.2v lithium ion drill with black oxide bits. It takes seconds.

Time for the old penetrating oil

this would be a ****load easier if you werent trying to save the old bumper.

also while using everyones advice, be VERY careful with your QP especially if youre using an impact chisel...

that he said they are parting out or junking

touche


I read that to mean he wanted to KEEP his bumper and give it to the sister. whoops