Fixing rear bumper gap

[kubko]

Hi, I'm trying to identify issue with rear bumper fitment. This bumper was repainted in the past by previous owner so the bumper was definitely dissasembled. My right side gap is acceptable, but left side triggers my OCD. It's especially visible when the sunlights hits the gap and I can't unsee the clips in it.

I have tried pushing in it where the clips are but it feels like its clipped in, it just doesn't hold in that snug I would say. Is here anything I could try or do you think they broke the plastic clips on the bumper?

Sponsored

 

[J17GT]

The clips behind the bumper are probably weak. There is a strip of them in that area.

I bought my car from the original owner that had it for just two years. He never touched the car and it was never in an accident. The driver side rear bumper would just pop out randomly. It would snap back in, but would just pop back out again with time. I took it to a Ford body shop and under warranty they replaced all the clips in the rear bumper area with new. Been fine ever since.

 

[kubko]

The clips behind the bumper are probably weak. There is a strip of them in that area.

I bought my car from the original owner that had it for just two years. He never touched the car and it was never in an accident. The driver side rear bumper would just pop out randomly. It would snap back in, but would just pop back out again with time. I took it to a Ford body shop and under warranty they replaced all the clips in the rear bumper area with new. Been fine ever since.

yeah looks very similar, maybe mine's not that bad yet..
So if I understand correctly they replaced actual bracket behind the bumper and the tabs on bumper weren't broken? I've found a video where it shows the bracket behind the bumper so I guess that's the weakened part as it can't hold tabs inside

 

[J17GT]

yeah looks very similar, maybe mine's not that bad yet..
So if I understand correctly they replaced actual bracket behind the bumper and the tabs on bumper weren't broken? I've found a video where it shows the bracket behind the bumper so I guess that's the weakened part as it can't hold tabs inside

Correct! They replaced the bracket behind the bumper. Tabs on the bumper were just fine.

 

[DougS550]

yeah looks very similar, maybe mine's not that bad yet..
So if I understand correctly they replaced actual bracket behind the bumper and the tabs on bumper weren't broken? I've found a video where it shows the bracket behind the bumper so I guess that's the weakened part as it can't hold tabs inside

This is what I do when a tab breaks, or I want a Closer fitment. Sometimes I have to epoxy small aluminum tabs on the back side of the panels and then drill small holes in them with the panels pushed tightly together and bolt the ends together which holes the panels tight in place with proper alignment.

Sponsored