How to Make a Quick Release Bumper Cover
Bumper covers or standard bumpers can be quite expensive to replace. Even a single broken mounting tab can lead to the bumper cover dragging on the ground. Rather than blow hundreds of dollars on a new bumper cover (the plastic or fiberglass that fits directly over the bumper), you can make a quick release bumper.
What’s a Quick Release Bumper Cover?
A quick release bumper cover is a bumper cover that takes only a few minutes to remove, rather than an hour or two. Instead of using the factory fasteners, a quick release bumper cover is held on by aftermarket fasteners that are easy to disconnect.
Even if you’re not going to remove your bumper cover ever again, converting your bumper to use quick release mounts is an affordable solution for broken tabs.
Please note, if you’re fixing broken end tabs but the bumper is still secured in the center, you’ll need a bumper quick release on each side of the end of the bumper.
Some people even install quick releases just to enhance the appearance of their cars. Owners of cars with low ground clearance also benefit from quick releases because they can offer those front ends slightly more flexibility when the car encounters a curb.
How to Turn Your Bumper Cover into a Quick Release Bumper Cover
Quick release fasteners come in a wide variety of colors and designs. They are so inexpensive that there is no point in making your own.
If you’re looking for a quality set of bumper quick release fasteners, All-Fit is a good brand. All-Fit bumper quick release fasteners are made with high-quality rubber, anodized aluminum, and other materials. They’re designed to make the bumper cover sit flush. Although the bands are strong, it’s a great idea to keep a set of replacement bands in your vehicle just in case a band breaks.
If you are using the quick release to remove your bumper quicker and are going to unmount your entire bumper, we recommend using at least two sets on each side of the bumper.
Keep in mind that this is a permanent modification because you need to drill into the bumper and the fenders in order to install quick release fasteners.
Before installing the quick releases, gather together the following items:
- A set of quick release fasteners ( Two to four sets if you are unmounting the entire bumper)
- Star screwdriver
- 3/8″ socket
- 5/32″ Allen wrench
- Drill
- 1/4″ drill bit
- Touch up paint or primer
Here’s an overview of the installation process:
- Turn the wheels in the opposite direction of the side you’re working on. For example, if you’re installing fasteners on the right side of the bumper cover first, turn the wheels left to clear up some room behind the bumper cover.
- Loosen up the fender liner behind the bumper cover and then push it aside.
- Decide where you want to position the fastener and then mark the spot with a piece of tape. Be sure that one end is on the fender and the other end is on the bumper cover.
- Decide where you want the top hole to be, mark it with an X, and then drill a hole in that spot.
- Peel back the tape and then apply touch up paint or primer over the hole. This helps prevent the exposed metal from rusting. Let dry.
- Put the bolt and fastener through the hole, and then screw it in from behind the bumper with a washer and nut.
- Take the second fastener, put the o-ring around it and the first fastener, and then move it around until you get the level of tension you’re comfortable with.
- Mark the spot with an X where you want the second fastener to be.
- Drill a hole through the X.
- Touch up the hole with paint or primer. Let dry.
- Install the second fastener with the bolt, washer, and nut.
- Put the o-ring around both fasteners.
- Put the fender liner back to where it was and then screw it back in place.
- Repeat all of the above steps on the other side of the bumper cover.
Note: if you want an actual quick release bumper cover you’re going to remove frequently, you’ll have to remove the bumper cover and then break off the tabs and fasteners first.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about our bumper quick release fasteners or the installation process.