Camry Front Bumper Removal

[saltypig]

My 97 Camry was in a hit and run in a parking lot. The impact cracked my front bumper and even broke the signal light as well as the front side panel. The side panel damage is minor but I need a new front bumper. I got a quote for Canadian $1,000 about $750 US but I'm pretty broke. I have already two claims in the last 3 years so I don't want to go through insurance.

Let's say I got the parts and already painted the bumper. I'm a pretty handy guy but haven't done any work on cars other than changing light bulbs and batteries. Can anyone guide me on how to remove the front bumper and what tools I will need?

Thanks in advance - your help is much appreciated.

[Rapeacivic]

You can get a 4 piece body kit cheaper then that!!! Try going to a auto salvage yard it would be a lot cheaper!!! Whoever gave you that estimate is riping you off big time!!!

[I4 to V6 Swap]

I took off a gen4 bumper before. it was a lot of nuts and bolts. Mostly 10 and 12 mm. I think there were some weird push to unlock push pins in there that need to be popped off as well. I don't remember where all of them are, but i know you can see them if you look at it.

Good luck.

. . . and yeah insurance companies suck

[zoni]

i recently took off my gen 3 front bumper cover... it was a bunch of 10 mm bolts and some really tight spots behind the headlights and stuff... not too bad though if you just dont try to rip the thing off... just remember, it will come off if all the screws are out.

i'd say get one from a local junk yard. it should run you about 100-150 bucks, US. Usually, there are a TON of camrys out there, so you can even find one that is already the same color as yours...

[jhbhatia]

Originally posted by Zoni_Camry

i'd say get one from a local junk yard. it should run you about 100-150 bucks, US. Usually, there are a TON of camrys out there, so you can even find one that is already the same color as yours...

That's what i would recommend as well...yeah...10 and 12 mm socets are what you would need....make sure you buy some lubricant to spray on the bolts to redude the effort needed to remove them!

[gqdabien]

on ebay u can get a front bumper cover for about 80 bucks shipped. It probably cost that much if the frame is bent or the metal supports behind the cover are messed up.