Date:         Sun, 12 Jan 2014 14:02:24 -0500
Reply-To:     Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: rear bumper removal steps
In-Reply-To:  <F3DAA154-B066-4401-BACF-29C64BBD63DA@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Listers,

        I'm posting this both to say thanks to everyone who wrote me off list and guided me through the removal of the stock back bumper on my 85 Vanagon, and to place them in the archives   For the next blind or sighted person who needs rear bumper removal tips. 
The steps in the order I should have used:

The plastic end caps are held to the sheet metal of the body with a philips head screw. I felt for the quarter sized disk on the bottom of the side edge  most of you can just see it.  this round plastic disk needs to be pried off.  I used a tiny screw driver to start it then used a larger screw driver. now you can access and remove the single screw.  do this on both sides of the van.

Next I carefully pulled the rubber strip away from the bumper.  the holders just pop out, no screws to worry about  

Next I removed the bottom bolts located just above the tow rings attached to the frame. I needed a extension or a deep socket might work.

Next I loosened the two remaining bolts, these were the ones hidden by the rubber strip.

finally I balanced the bumper on my knees and finger turned the bolts and removed my dented bumper.

Success!

In the shop I looked at the end caps and realized that the one plastic blob  on each end that sticks out a bit and looks like it might hide a screw head actually doesn't.  It can just be left alone.  it does correspond to a hole in the bumper that didn't seem to have a purpose 

To remove the end caps I placed the bumper on my bench with the end cap hanging off  with the side that had the rubber strip down. I could see two knubs of plastic sticking up and a metal tab on either side of the bumper.  after a bit of head scratching I simply pressed firmly down and the end cap just slid down and off.

Thats it. 
. 

These steps are actually what I  should have done but in reality it was a rather amusing scene of discovery. So I actually put back on the bumper bolts once I realized where and what the sheet metal screws in the end cap were doing.
My bumper is really not bent too badly and it is very clean.  Unfortunately it is bent in a way that makes the oil access hatch difficult to open. 

I'm now considering weather I will go at it with my rubber mallet or consult with someone more experienced.  Either way thanks to the tips and encouragement of this list it's working out great. 

Only wish I had a example of a non bent bumper to compare the shape to.

Alastair, you did tell me about the sheet metal screws! But, I didn't quite get it until I took on the task.  Then I understood what you were telling me.

Thanks everyone for help on what would be a small task for most of you but is a great learning experience, and with list support, another big success for me. 


Eric Caron 
85 GL Auto Westfalia 
   

   



On Jan 11, 2014, at 5:41 PM, Eric Caron <ecaron1@comcast.net> wrote:

> Hi listers,
> 
>        Can someone tell me the steps for removing the rear bumper?  I often end up removing bolts and such that end up not being part of the project! tips are greatly appreciated.  Also, remember I am a blind Vanagon caretaker so descriptions with that in mind are greatly appreciated. 
> 
> I located two bolts under the bumper just above the metal tow loops and I'm wondering if I need to remove the rubber strip to access others.  And what other bolts I may need to find.
> 
> I greatly appreciate a few tips.
> 
> Eric Caron 
> 85 GL Auto Westfalia