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Home » How-to » Body & Interior » Exterior » How to Replace a Front Bumper Cover

How to Replace a Front Bumper Cover

for all vehicles ( View guide for your vehicle )
Parts needed:
Bumper Cover Bumper Clip
Tools needed:
Sealant Screwdriver
(Show)
Supplies needed:
Soapy Water Primer
(Show)
Estimated Costs:

DIY Costs
Est. $462.92 parts only
Shop Costs
Est. $743.87 in parts and labor
Costs are based on averages for all vehicles.

Guide Steps

Contributor(s) to this Article
1
 
Remove the front wheel well liners from the front bumper to gain access to bumper retaining bolts.
2
 
Take the new bumper cover and make sure it is primed or has an e-coat before the paint is applied. Many new original equipment and aftermarket bumper covers come pre-primed.  Some manufactures recommend this primer not be removed due to its anti-corrosive and paint adhesion properties.
3
 
Clean the entire bumper cover with 600 grit wet sandpaper to remove any contaminants such as dirt, grease, or dust.
4
 
Apply a basecoat to the entire bumper cover.
5
 
Let the paint dry completely.
6
 
Apply a clear coat to the entire bumper cover.
7
 
Check for dirt in the paint.
8
 
Remove any large dirt with a sharp razor blade.
9
 
Soak some 1500 grit sandpaper in soapy water.
10
 
Add some soapy water to a spray bottle and spray it on the painted surface.
11
 
Use a block with the sandpaper to help apply even pressure when sanding.
12
 
Sand the area in a circular motion until all the dirt is removed.
Bumper Sanded for paint
13
 
Repeat the process with 2000 grit sandpaper soaked in soapy water.
14
 
Wipe the bumper cover down with an alcohol water mixture and re-inspect for dirt.
15
 
Use a polish compound to remove any swirl marks left from the sanding.
16
 
Install the new bumper cover in reverse order. You may need to replace clips or retainers that were broken during the removal of the bumper cover.
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