2004 Vibe AWD rear bumper

[csonni]

Trying to find the right rear bumper (cover) for a 2004 Vibe. Many of the ones I see have the 4 rib contours. The one I need is a smooth cover with no ribs. I've attached a picture. Is it that the Base model Vibes have different bumpers than the rest? Also, does the one I have actually come in 2 pieces? Can the whole thing be separated as it appears in the picture to where I only have to replace the lower damaged section? Lastly, how difficult are these covers to remove and replace? Thanks.

[KITT222]

What you have is the GM body kit. It consists of the front bumper extensions, extended side skirts, and extension for the existing rear bumper. It could have been equipped to any trim level. What is damaged is the body kit. Unfortunately, that is an uber-rare thing for Vibes these days. Not much you can do. You could see if a shop could repair it. Otherwise you may be out of luck. You could try an aftermarket body kit rear bumper, but I don't know how that would work with the GM kit.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Duraflex-Rear-B ... 78&vxp=mtr" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[csonni]

Wow. Thanks for that info. A bit more complicated than I thought. I'll have to visit the shop and see if they could patch that up.

[KITT222]

Wow. Thanks for that info. A bit more complicated than I thought. I'll have to visit the shop and see if they could patch that up.

Not a problem. Welcome to GenVibe, by the way!

[csonni]

Thanks for the welcome.
I was also wondering if I could attach a stock complete bumper cover that would blend in with that GM body kit. At what point wouldn't it blend? At the fender flares?

[Salsa Guy]

Duraflex has known issues with fitment. Beware!

[KITT222]

You have a stock bumper under that. It just bolts on in some way that also involves double-sided tape. The extension is the highlighted bit in this picture:



So it's not that it won't blend, it's just that is won't match the side skirts and front end. Might look a little awkward is all. In all honesty, if you can, fix it. Those things are RARE and expensive. It would be worth it to fix it. Even just to fix, then sell the kit.

[csonni]

How do those body kit panels attach? I should mention- this is a friend's car- not my own.

[csonni]

Found out this morning that fiberglass body work would cost a fortune. Most body shops replace panels, as body work requires much time. Sure would be nice to find that lower bumper body kit panel. Shipping is a (removed) as we are in a remote part of Canada (Labrador).

[KITT222]

I am not sure how they attach. I believe there is double-sided tape holding some of it on, then there are some bolts probably on the corners. The tape will need some heat so it will become tacky enough to un-stick, so something like a heat gun might be useful (but don't keep it on one spot for too long or the paint and/or plastic will be damaged). Going back to stock would be the alternative to getting it fixed, as getting just one part of the kit when the kit itself is more than rare is going to be a real pain.