Auto body repair & detailing: rear bumper of 97 lexus es 300, splash shields, lexus es 300

Question
The rear bumper cover on my 97 Lexus es 300 has had a dent unit ever since I
bought the car. I only paid 800 dollars for the car and got a he'll of a deal but
I have wanted to get the dint out ever since. It definately can be hammered out
but I don't want to take off the cover and mess it up so that I can't put it back could you please help
Me out and give me directions on getting this part off and putting it back. Thanks a million in advance.

Answer
Hi Johnny!....To remove the rear cover, first off you will need to open the trunk/liftgate, and pull back the RHS and LHS trunk interior trim panels...These should be attatched to the inner 1/4 structure with re-usable clips...This will give you access to any fasteners/bolts that hold the cover should it be attatched from the inside to the bottom edge of the 1/4 panel...These bolts are usually 10mm....Next, remove the tail lights...These will be either 8 or 10mm.....This will give you access to fasteners underneath the lights, should there be any....Next, remove the fasteners on the underneath, and on the top center of the cover....Last of all, you will then need to remove the fasteners attatching the rear wheelhouse splash shields to where they attatch to the cover...After this is completed, there should be one last screw/bolt run up vertically at the leading edge of the cover to where it attatches to the 1/4 panel...The cover should then be able to be removed...Repair as necessary, and re-install in the exact reverse order...If you have any problems, drop me another line....I will try and guide you through it....Thanks....Dave