Is there any trick to getting the front apron off? I've been having overheating issues and I'm trying to replace the radiator. I've already replaced the thermostat, water pump and the fan appears to be working. The radiator had lots of rust in the coolant so I think it needs to be replaced. Anyway, I have the top bolts, bottom screws and side bolts off but I'm having trouble with getting it off. It seems to be stuck on the top portion. I removed the long sheet metal plate from the top. Do you remove it from the bottom first and slide it over the top screws? Or do the top screws come out first somehow? They're in there solid. I'd hate to bust the apron doing it the wrong way. I'm also replacing a wheel stud, I cross threaded a lug nut and then tightened it with an impact hammer.

 

Did you unbolt the bump shocks? its easier to unbolt the 3 bolts on each side and pull the whole bumper out.

 

No, I didn't unbolt the shocks, thx for the the tip. I'll try that.

 

I got the bumper off and the radiator removed today, thanks again.

 

Unbolting the bumper shocks? Really? I've NEVER unbolted those things.

You obviously missed easy bolts.

 

if you are talking about the bumper cover there are two hidden bolts in the wheel well behind that cardboard looking stuff that covers the inside. probably what is hanging you up. there are two that you can see if I remember right.

 

Shouldn't you be getting the s130 section of the registry up and running with that $ I gave u mr Arizona.... Instead of replying to threads about noob bumper r&r!! Lol jk Paul

 

One more thing, before I replaced the radiator, my heater was taking a long time to warm up the car. It would blow out cold air for 15 minutes even though temperature gauge said it had achieved normal operating temperature. After reading the posts here, I thought the problem was in the cabin and was a separate problem. Since the replacement, the heater works much faster, warming up with the temperature gauge.