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Old 08 August 2018, 10:53 AM
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mellinator2k
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Default Rear number plate light bracket removal

Hi All

I am trying to install new number plate light brackets on my classic impreza.

However the bolts underneath the center of the bumper are either just freely spinning or as rounded. I can get access to them via long extension bars but cant get them out.

Is there any access from inside boot to top of bolts - I read something about a grommet for the bolts being located in the boot area.

Any help on how I can get them out without removing my bumper would be great!!
Old 08 August 2018, 10:59 AM
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1509joe
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Bumper off I'm afraid not difficult.
Old 08 August 2018, 11:03 AM
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mellinator2k
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Thanks

What will I gain access to by taking the bumper off? what are the options with the bumper off?

The bolts are spinning freely or rounded from underneath - the top of the bolt seems concealed within the rear bumper support bar?
Old 08 August 2018, 11:18 AM
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You'll be able to access all of it and cut the bolts replace with stainless steel.
Old 08 August 2018, 11:41 AM
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mellinator2k
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thanks mate, sounds like I need to buy a grinder!
Old 08 August 2018, 12:48 PM
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Old 08 August 2018, 02:28 PM
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The Trooper 1815
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Originally Posted by mellinator2k
thanks mate, sounds like I need to buy a grinder!
The light brackets are made from very cheap quality steel. They are right in the air flow around the back of the car but the screws and nuts almost dissolve. Remember that Japan does not salt there roads like the UK. When I was doing up my V5 STi I got a set from impartsb46 (eBay but currently off line) but I am sure ICP do them as well.
Old 08 August 2018, 05:31 PM
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Thanks mate . I got lovely new lights and brackets from icp but just get the old ones off lol

going to see what other options I have before bunpernis removed.

Old 08 August 2018, 08:06 PM
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The rear bumper is all plastic fixings to the carrier.

Do you mean the bolts for the carrier into the chassis rail? If they are all just turning you're pretty much fucked from memory, as the captive nuts will be turning inside the box section.

Again, from memory, I think you can get the bumper skin off the carrier, rear lights out job though.
Old 08 August 2018, 08:09 PM
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Sorry just re-read properly. It sounds like you've been trying to removed them by undoing the captive nut on light bracket, it bolts in from the top through the carrier.
Old 08 August 2018, 08:22 PM
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jaygsi
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Its a pain as you need rear lights out to get bumper off. And that means resealing them again. Not resealed mine yet as bumpers coming off again. As replacing whole rear bumper bar aswell.
Old 10 August 2018, 09:16 PM
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mellinator2k
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Originally Posted by mickywrx
Sorry just re-read properly. It sounds like you've been trying to removed them by undoing the captive nut on light bracket, it bolts in from the top through the carrier.
Yes sir. Is there access to the nut/bolt from up above?

I am accessing the nut on bolt from below, inside middle of bumper. It is the nut holding the light bracket to chassis.

I am wondering if it is easier to try and rip the plastic cover off the existing light brackets and replace bulbs

Old 11 August 2018, 08:48 PM
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Don Clark
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Originally Posted by mellinator2k
I am accessing the nut on bolt from below, inside middle of bumper. It is the nut holding the light bracket to chassis.
The nut is welded to the bracket (or was) so if it's turning you need to access the screw from above


Old 12 August 2018, 07:49 PM
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That is great Don thanks!! So if I remove bumper I should have access to top of bolt?
Old 12 August 2018, 08:33 PM
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Originally Posted by mellinator2k
That is great Don thanks!! So if I remove bumper I should have access to top of bolt?
You not listen lol
Old 12 August 2018, 09:32 PM
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Sorry Joe and thank you!!
Old 12 August 2018, 09:42 PM
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Old 08 December 2018, 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Don Clark
The nut is welded to the bracket (or was) so if it's turning you need to access the screw from above


Ok got both brackets are off after 6 hours of using a mini grinder. The bolts from bumper are intact but I am confused how to actually get the welded nut onto the bolt??? thinking of drilling through the welded nut and just using something to secure light brackets (metal weld, cable ties, nut )

do they expect people to remove bumper to change these lights? Not on my watch

Last edited by mellinator2k; 08 December 2018 at 09:35 PM.
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