Auto body repair & detailing: rear bumper cover, chevy malibu, splash shields

Question
How do I remove the rear bumper cover from my son's 2001 Chevy Malibu?

Thanks for your help

Answer
Hi Dave!....First of all, open the trunk lid and partialy remove the interior trim panels on both right and left 1/4 panel sides as to gain access to the tail lights...There should be fasteners attatching these...Once this is done, I recommend removing the tail lights...Depending on the model and production date, there are sometimes clips underneath the lights attatching the bumper cover to the vehicle...These should be visible at this point...Remove as necessary...Also, check inside the 1/4 panel behind the wheelwell...GM sometimes installs bolts from the inside from the top to attatch the cover...These will be a 10MM bolt...After this is done, check underneath the vehicle...Remove any remaining clips or screws attatching the cover to the vehicle...Next, procede to the wheel openings...There will be 2 or 3 screws/clips attatching the bumper cover to the wheelhouse splash shields...Remove these as neccessary as well...Last, check at the very leading edge of the cover, and see if there is a bolt/screw run up vertically into the 1/4 panel...If so, once this is removed, the cover should be simply slid off...Be carefull of any wiring, as there should be at least 1 connection to the liscence plate light, and possibly another to backup lights if so equipped...Drop me a line if you have any proplems, or further questions...I will try and guide you through it...Thanks...Dave