Need to fix front lip

dmagic17 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 09:56 AM

So I was driving my gf's 2008 sport and curbed the front lip. Not much scratching or damage but part of the lip sort of came unattached and won't go back in. I snapped a cell phone pic of the damage. Any ideas how to reattach? It looks like theres a screw in there but it would be impossible to tighten it if you have lip against the bumper.

binaryh4x · #2 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 11:04 AM

Maybe some 3m mounting tape?

dmagic17 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 11:08 AM

I was thinking that, but I'd have to get the screw out somehow because it would prevent from being able to push the lip against the bumper. Perhaps a magnetic screwdriver.

kenchan · #4 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 04:34 PM

i would remove a good section off the bumper and just reinstall.

dmagic17 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 04:40 PM

But that's the thing. I dont understand how you can tighten that screw inside there with the lip pushed all the way against the bumper.

kenchan · #6 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 04:42 PM

no access through the skid plate and fender liner area where it attaches to the front part of the bumper? it might just be a tab that came out and now binding.

do you have a pict further away from the car?

dmagic17 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 05:05 PM

Closer Up...

Further back...

kenchan · #8 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 05:09 PM

so it looks like the tab just cracked open and left your screw where it was bolted on (?). you sure you haven't looked at it from under the car? i'd take my right angle driver and see if i can remove that screw from under the car.

ghetto way (which might scratch the bumper) is to wedge it, remove the screw, and then use 3M tape to close the opening.

dmagic17 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 05:16 PM

I'll take another look at it from underneath. Thanks for your help.

binaryh4x · #10 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 05:42 PM

I checked under my car and that newest pic definatly makes me think that your "screw" is a rivet.

I would get a long flat head screw driver and try to pry up half of the broken tab, then push the lip back and tape.

kenchan · #11 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 04:19 PM

yep, you might be able to align the cracked braket to the screw and push it in (?)

how did it go, dmagic?

dmagic17 · #12 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 04:22 PM

Haven't had a chance to take a look yet. Ill let you know when I do.

Steeldog · #13 (**permalink**) 08-22-2009, 05:14 PM

Hey Man,
You have the same problem I have. You have bent a clip or possibly two. Take it to a body shop that regularly does Hondas (they will have the right clips). It will not cost much. Those funky clips under there have a metal part that has gotten bent, probably when you backed OFF the curb. This exact same thing happened to me. I am just living with it; nobody notices it. When I have to take off the bumper cover, like maybe to install a louder horn, I'll take care of the lip issue. Hell, it isn't really an issue.
By the way, two-sided tape will not hold it. And for God's sake, don't put a screw in there.
If you decide to fool with it any more, please let us know how you came out.