Ever notice the torn rear bumper covers on 1998 to current Crown Vics? The rear bumper cover is just secured by two flimsy brackets, and otherwise is just hanging there. Snag a parking block, and the bumper cover tears. Looks like crap and costs a lot to repair, or worse, gets left damaged and looks terrible.
Last spring, I modified my CVPI to prevent this damage. It only took about 10 minutes, and it is called a bumper tuck. You will only need a socket set and wire cutters, and maybe a set of vise grips or pliers.
There are two (maybe 4?) brackets holding the bumper cover out away from the frame. Remove the bolts where they attach to the cover. Flip the brackets up and away. They will swivel freely, so there is no need to remove them.
Take two sturdy nylon wire ties (approx. 18" ties should do it) and thread them through the holes on the bumper cover that the brackets had been attached to.
There is a sturdy bar clearly visible near the outside of the trunk. (underneath the car) Loop the wire ties around this bar, and pull the bumper into the bar. Then just trim the excess length from the ties. You don't need to pull it all the way in. I stopped tightening it before the bumper cover pulled too far or got deformed.
Your bumper is now tucked several inches up and in, which will prevent it from snagging and tearing.
The modification is simple, and makes the car look better in my opinion. And it sure beats driving down the highway with your ass flappin' in the wind!
If the directions aren't clear, they will be when you get under the car and take a look. It made me wonder why I didn't think of it. (which I didn't) Credit goes to the folks at crownvic.net. There are numerous threads on it, but I couldn't immediately find any pics to snipe and post here. I haven't heard that dreaded scraping sound ever since, and that has made a believer out of me.
You can see a mild difference after it has been done. The before pic shows the bumper looks a little "saggy". The after pic makes the bumper look tighter. Looks better in my opinion.
Last spring, I modified my CVPI to prevent this damage. It only took about 10 minutes, and it is called a bumper tuck. You will only need a socket set and wire cutters, and maybe a set of vise grips or pliers.
There are two (maybe 4?) brackets holding the bumper cover out away from the frame. Remove the bolts where they attach to the cover. Flip the brackets up and away. They will swivel freely, so there is no need to remove them.
Take two sturdy nylon wire ties (approx. 18" ties should do it) and thread them through the holes on the bumper cover that the brackets had been attached to.
There is a sturdy bar clearly visible near the outside of the trunk. (underneath the car) Loop the wire ties around this bar, and pull the bumper into the bar. Then just trim the excess length from the ties. You don't need to pull it all the way in. I stopped tightening it before the bumper cover pulled too far or got deformed.
Your bumper is now tucked several inches up and in, which will prevent it from snagging and tearing.
The modification is simple, and makes the car look better in my opinion. And it sure beats driving down the highway with your ass flappin' in the wind!
If the directions aren't clear, they will be when you get under the car and take a look. It made me wonder why I didn't think of it. (which I didn't) Credit goes to the folks at crownvic.net. There are numerous threads on it, but I couldn't immediately find any pics to snipe and post here. I haven't heard that dreaded scraping sound ever since, and that has made a believer out of me.
You can see a mild difference after it has been done. The before pic shows the bumper looks a little "saggy". The after pic makes the bumper look tighter. Looks better in my opinion.
