replacing rear bumper reinforcement with SLO assembly

[avatar28]

I picked up a SLO bumper assembly from the local junkyard today. I'm still in the process of trying to get mine off without resorting to cutting the shock absorber with a sawz-all. My SHO cover seems intact so I plan to reuse it. One question, though. How do I attach it? Do I need to fit it over and then drill holes in the SLO bumper for the push rivets? Oh and how do I get those rivets out without outright breaking them and where can I find replacements?

 

[avatar28]

Okay, absolutely cannot get the bolts that hold the shock absorber to the body to budge. the 10mm bolts that hold the bumper to the shock absorber are rusted something awful. I doubt they can be saved, I'm not even sure they can be removed without destroying them and/or the bumper. Suggestions besides start cutting?

 

[kevinspann]

Turn them until they break off.

 

[avatar28]

Well I got the damned thing off. Used vice grips the grab it even though it was chewed up and tediously removed the bolt. The other two were much easier and I was able to get them with a combination of a 1/4" ratchet and my gear wrenches. Got the cover swapped without TOO many major scratches.

Only problem now is getting it back on. I had the shock absorbers in first but I couldn't get the bolts on the bumper to line up. So I (loosely) attached the absorbers to the bumper before putting it on. Got the driver side okay but now I can't get the bolt for the shock absorber to line up right. Had to give up when a thunderstorm came along and had some scary close thunder. Also rain running down the bumper and into my face.

 

[kevinspann]

You did get them back on the left and right sides correctly, yes?

 

[avatar28]

Yes. The left one fit, the right one seemed to have the plate rotated a few degrees.

 

[32sho]

Which SLO bumper did you use? I need one for my 93 3.2 SHO. Did you use one off of a LX or GL model ? Were did you find the hardware to attach the SHO cover? Thanks