Bumper Cover - Rear

Remove and replace the rear bumper cover assembly on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including disconnection of license plate lighting and fasteners securing the cover to the rear body panel and quarter panels.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear bumper cover × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Push-type retainer clips × 1 — Replace any damaged during removal
• License plate light bulb socket gasket × 1 — Replace if deteriorated

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake.
2. Ensure rear of vehicle is cool to the touch if recently driven.
3. Clean rear bumper area to identify all fasteners and prevent dirt from entering exposed areas during disassembly.
4. Have replacement fasteners and clips available before beginning work.
5. If reusing the original cover, mark fastener locations with masking tape to aid reassembly alignment.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect license plate lighting
   Open the rear storage compartment and locate the license plate light harness connector behind the rear body panel. Press the connector release tab and disconnect the electrical connector from the license plate light assembly. Tuck the harness inside the trunk area to prevent damage during cover removal.
2. 2

   Remove trunk liner access area
   If access panels or liner sections cover the upper bumper cover mounting fasteners in the rear storage area, remove their retaining screws and set them aside. Verify the exact fastener count and type against the factory service manual before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Trunk Liner Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove upper bumper cover mounting bolts
   From inside the trunk, locate and remove the upper bumper cover mounting bolts that secure the top edge of the cover to the body panel. Verify the bolt size and count against the factory service manual. Remove all upper mounting bolts accessed through the rear storage compartment opening and retain them for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Bumper Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove lower bumper cover fasteners
   Working beneath the rear of the vehicle, locate and remove the lower bumper cover mounting fasteners along the bottom edge of the cover; verify the exact count and type against the factory service manual. These typically secure the cover to the lower reinforcement structure. Remove all lower fasteners and set aside.
   Torque spec

   Bumper Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Release quarter panel side fasteners
   On each side of the vehicle, locate the fasteners securing the bumper cover ends to the rear quarter panels. These are accessed from the wheel well opening area; verify the exact fastener count per side and bolt size against the factory service manual. Remove the fasteners on both driver and passenger sides.
   Torque spec

   Bumper Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect any push-type retainers
   Check for push-type retainer clips along the upper edge or sides of the bumper cover where it meets the body. Use a trim panel removal tool to carefully release any clips by prying the center pin outward, then removing the entire clip assembly. Inspect clips for damage and replace if cracked or broken.
7. 7

   Remove license plate bracket
   Remove the license plate from the bracket if still attached. Remove the 2 license plate mounting bracket screws or bolts from the bumper cover face. Remove the bracket and license plate light assembly by pulling it through the cover opening from the rear. Set aside for reinstallation.
8. 8

   Remove rear bumper cover
   With all fasteners removed, carefully pull the bumper cover away from the vehicle body. Work from one side to the other, gently releasing any remaining engagement points. Have an assistant support the opposite end to prevent the cover from falling or flexing excessively. Lift the cover clear of the vehicle and place on a protected surface with the exterior face up to prevent scratching.
9. 9

   Inspect mounting surfaces and brackets
   With the cover removed, inspect all mounting brackets, reinforcement structures, and body panel edges for damage, corrosion, or loose fasteners. Clean any debris from mounting surfaces. Inspect the license plate light socket and gasket for wear; replace the gasket if it shows deterioration or cracking.
10. 10

    Position new or repaired bumper cover
    With assistance, align the new or repaired bumper cover to the vehicle. Ensure the cover is centered left-to-right by checking equal gaps at both quarter panel ends. Position the upper edge first, aligning mounting holes with body panel holes. Support the cover in position before installing fasteners.
11. 11

    Install license plate bracket and lighting
    Install the license plate light assembly and bracket through the cover opening from the rear. Install the bracket mounting screws through the cover face and torque to specification. Ensure the light socket gasket is properly seated.
12. 12

    Install quarter panel side fasteners
    Install the side mounting fasteners that secure the bumper cover ends to the rear quarter panels on both driver and passenger sides. Snug the fasteners but do not fully torque yet to allow for final alignment adjustment.
    Torque spec

    Bumper Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install upper bumper cover mounting bolts
    From inside the trunk, install the upper bumper cover mounting bolts through the body panel and into the cover mounting points. Start all bolts by hand before tightening. Snug the bolts but do not fully torque until lower fasteners are installed.
    Torque spec

    Bumper Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install lower bumper cover fasteners
    Working beneath the vehicle, install all lower bumper cover mounting fasteners along the bottom edge. Start all fasteners by hand, then snug them evenly.
    Torque spec

    Bumper Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install push-type retainer clips
    Install new or reusable push-type retainer clips at their original locations. Insert the clip body into the mounting hole, then press the center pin flush until the clip is fully seated and secure.
16. 16

    Final alignment and torque
    Check bumper cover alignment and panel gaps on all sides. Adjust as needed by loosening fasteners and repositioning the cover. Once alignment is correct, torque all mounting bolts and screws to the values specified in the factory service manual, tightening evenly from center outward. Confirm the correct tightening sequence and torque specs before final assembly.
    Torque spec

    Bumper Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Reconnect license plate lighting and reinstall trunk liner
    Reconnect the license plate light electrical connector inside the trunk area. Reinstall the trunk liner section and secure with screws torqued to specification. Verify the license plate light functions correctly.
    Torque spec

    Trunk Liner Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Installation is performed in reverse order of removal with attention to proper alignment before final torquing.
2. Torque all fasteners to specification in a center-outward pattern to ensure even clamping force and proper panel gaps.
3. Replace any damaged push-type retainer clips or trim fasteners encountered during removal.
4. Verify license plate light operation after electrical reconnection.

Verification

• Check that all panel gaps between bumper cover and quarter panels are even on both sides.
• Verify bumper cover is securely fastened with no loose areas or rattles when pressed.
• Confirm license plate light illuminates when parking lights or headlights are turned on.
• Inspect all mounting points to ensure no fasteners were missed during installation.
• Walk around vehicle to verify bumper cover alignment matches body lines and sits flush with adjacent panels.

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