Rear Bumperette

Looks like one of my first tasks on my new to me 2004 996 is to get a rear bumperette pad repainted. These caps / covers seem to be found on 2003 and 2004 cars and are all plastic. They are not like the black rubber ones found on earlier 996's and Boxsters. There are no holes or other obvious points to start removal. Before I just jump in and try to remove my cap, has anyone done this? Can you give a tip or two. Here is a picture my seller sent of the scratched bumperette pad. And here is a link to replacement parts at Suncoast. https://www.suncoastparts.com/product/996G2BCAP.html

Consider these: https://www.bumperplugs.com/index.ph...product_id=162

Yep, Eric is the first person I spoke to about the repair. The part in the link is not what I need but he said he would bring in the Suncoast unit and paint it for me. That said, how do I get that sucker off so I can replace it?

There are three plastic plugs that hold them on. You have to remove the bumper in order to remove them. Also you have to remove the tail lights in order to remove the bumper. The bumper is held on by torx screws. You'll also have to disconnect the license plate light in order to remove the bumper. Wheels can stay on, unless it's lowered.

Thanks. Not exactly what I wanted to hear, but good to know. Appreciate the help!

It has been a while, but I don�t think you need to remove tail lights to remove the bumper. It isn�t a difficult or time consuming job. It is even easier if you have a lift.

Similar bumper removal. Wish our bumperettes were like this one! https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...er_Removal.htm

Thanks again, TexSquirrel. Looking at the pictures, the car is a Gen 1 996. Mine is a Gen 2. Can't see the bumperettes here so not sure the generation. But the lights stay in place. You Tube

Yes, it's a 996.1, but the bumper removal is the same. (except for the Bumperette part) 996.2 uses three plastic plugs like the 997.1.

Cool. Thanks again.

As tex squirrel said....When I switched to 996.2 bumper the bumperettes had a retaining clip on the inside of the bumper....the only way to attach is with the bumper off....its really not that hard....if you take the wheels and the lights out its super easy....can be done without doing that but just a little tricky.

Quotes source post: 15480066

I didnt have to remove the tail lights on my 04 to get the rear bumper off

My �02 did not need the tail lights removed when I took the bumper off. A long Phillips is pretty handy to get the screws out from the upper wheel well area. A one person job getting it off but I could not align it to get it back on without help because it kept twisting. Really simple to do otherwise.

I�m pretty sure mine (996.2) came off before the bumper - just a little cap on the bottom of each one that gives access to a bolt holding them on.

I'm definitely sure I didn't have to remove the bumper to get mine off to send to Eric!

Thought I would do a quick follow-up on this. In the thread, no one was exactly sure what the backside of these bumperettes looked like. Here are a couple of pictures. You do, in fact, need to remover the rear bumper. Inside the bumper, the locking tabs engage with a soft plastic collar. I used a flat blade screwdriver to pop the lock and a second one to push it out. I also found it necessary to install the new bumperette while the bumper was off so I could get pressure on both the new bumperette and the plastic collar for the tabs to get a firm grip. One comment on bumper removal. It may well be easiest to reach the single screw up inside the wheel well with the tire off the car. But then again, I am not very nimble of fingers. Finally, I worked with Erik at Bumper Plugs for the new product. Things could not have gone easier. He is a total pro and a delight to work with. The GT Silver was a perfect match. No affiliation, just a super satisfied customer. And here is the end result.