So i tried to remove the bumper today but the plastic retainer clips that are on the bottom of the bumper don't want to come off. I used a flathead from my swiss army knife but its so tight that the steel literally bends when i'm trying to pry this thing out. Any tips on how i can remove it?

 

I think you need more leverage... try a longer flathead screwdriver and wiggle.

 

try this maybe?

http://heeltoeauto.com/Honda-Genuine...-pr-65396.html

 

I'm not trying to call you dumb, but you know how the clips work, right? (I only say this because when I first came across them, I was unaware of how they worked).

You need a thin flathead screwdriver, and you need to put it in the litle notch between the outer and inner ring of the clip. That should pop the centre part out of the outer ring by about 1/4" or more. Then you can get a flathead under the outer ring and the clip should come out. Basically what happens is the inner plug piece causes the fingers behind the metal to flare out, holding the retainer clip securely in place. By popping out the inner plug, the fingers relax and can be pulled out. (Note: Some clips use a 1/4 turn Phillips head screw counterclockwise, instead of the centre pop-plug. Same concept though. Leftey loosey, rightey tightey)

It might take a bit of work but they always come out.

 

You're talking about these clips, I assume?



Remove like this:



Just twist the screwdrivers like you're turning a screw and it should pop them off. Sometimes it's tough but this works for me every time. Never broke a clip doing this method but have broken clips trying other ways.

 

Unless you're MacGyver, a Swiss Army knife won't work nearly as well as a flat head screwdriver. Sortudo7 shows it best!

 

Thanks, i'll give the dual flat head screwdriver technique a try. I didn't have a problem removing these types of clips on my 2005 civic, they came off without hesitation. Can these plastic retainer clips be purchased somewhere in case i messed this one up bad?

 

Yup. I used these guys since they're local to me.

http://www.thefastenerwarehouse.com/...age/584919.htm

But you can search for any Honda plastic fasteners and retainers supplier near you.

 

sweet thanks!