How do you remove the rear bumper black plastic thing?

[JoeMarano]

On a phase 2 172? The little black strip of mine is looking like it could use a bit of satin black. Is it removeable?

 

[bloke]

just unclips.

 

[Darius]

screwdriver (flat) wrapped in a cloth to stop paint damage under one of the bottom corners and unclip it and then follow that down the bumper

 

[JoeMarano]

So the whole thing basically just unclips and when putting it back on just clips back into place?

Thanks. Lets hope I dont break it!

 

[warwickstingray]

There are a lot of clips so take your time and work a section at a time. Don't get impatient and start yanking it once you get a bit free. Warming it not heating it may help as the cold weather will make it brittle. I had my bumper off which made it easier but it's not necessary.

 

[JoeMarano]

Got it off okay. Broke one clip though but it hadnt affected it so thats okay.

Little tip in case anyone stumbles on this thread. The clips that seem to actually hold the plastic in place are the ones at the top probably about 8 on total. The trick is like warwickstingray said is NOT to pull the plastic once a section is free instead use the knife (I used a butter knife with some cloth behind it to avoid scratching the bumper) and lever each clip off one at a time you may have to use a bit of force but this is the best way as if you try pulling the actual plastic itself it will snap a clip. Also as Darius said start at a corner and go from there.

 

[warwickstingray]

Glad it went ok. Old plastic is so ruddy fragile!