I searched all over for a DIY video / forum post, even Facebook 370z page. I found nothing so I figured I'd make a quick little DIY "how to" ...
I think these are much cleaner and do the job better than those rubber band "quick release" that are all over the Honda world..
.. So to the DIY...
Parts you will need:
- (4) m6x1.00 (2" long) bolts - $3.50 at Lowe's
- (8) washers to fit on the front and back side of bolts - $4 at Lowe's
- (4) m6x1.00 locking nuts to go on back side of bolts - $5 at Lowe's
- (2) 6" long metal brackets (Item #64735) - $2.50 each
You'll also need some tools:
- Dremel (with cutting wheel)
- 10mm wrench
- 10mm socket wrench (deep socket helps)
- Torch (to bend metal brackets)
- Vice grips / bench vice / pliers (whatever you got to hold brackets and bend them)
- Drill bit (to widen hole on white bumper bracket)
- Drill w/ hole saw (1/2")
STEP 1:
You'll want to remove bumper (obviously) , take white bumper brackets off
STEP 2:
You need to trim the edge (closest to tire - about 1" off edge) you can remove this bracket completely since the new bracket will take over it, but I wanted to retain it to prevent bumper sag by the fender
STEP 3:
You need to trim the back clips off the white plastic piece as well as drill the holes in plastic piece just a little bigger so the new m6x1.00 will slide in there easier!
STEP 4:
Heat 6" bracket up with the torch in the center, use vice grips, bench vise or pliers whatever you have to bend metal on both sides and bend it slightly about 15-20 degrees worked for me. But different bumpers , fenders, and latches might need more/less.
STEP 5:
Install the metal bracket on the back side of metal bracket (on fender) put the white plastic piece on the front and run the m6x1.00 2" long bolts and washer through, secure it all together with the locking m6x1.00 locking nuts. Tighten with 10mm wrench and sockets.
STEP 6:
Install Quick latch rods and adjust to where the ball of latch is about even with the fender.
STEP 7:
Ahhh... The scariest part... but you've made it this far... put bumper on (I just secured bumper from falling with push pins by radiator support, I heated up the bumper with a heat gun on low where the quick latch rods are and push lightly on the bumper so the bumper will press against the rods where it will leave a small dimple) I marked this with a sharpie. And used this as my center for the pilot hole on the hole saw (I used a 1/2" hole saw but yours may require a larger or smaller hole to be cut)... CUT BUMPER...
STEP 8:
Install quick latch outer pieces onto bumper and tighten nut on back, now install bumper back onto car, push onto quick latch and it should
SNAP in.
STEP 9:
Adjust quick latch rods using nuts on back, to bring the latch in or out, whatever you need to make body lines nice and even!
STEP 10:
Sit back and enjoy your new quick / quik latches! Enjoy not breaking any more bumper tabs, no more rubbing on big bumps if you're lowered like I am, no more pushed out bumper on edges, easier and faster bumper removal.
