So there are these clips that are quite visible when I put the bumper back on. It was suggested that the bumper lip goes over the top of these clips, but the top of the clip is flush with the fender. What am I missing here?

So this is what it looks like when it's clipped in



So does the bumper go OVER or INTO these notches?

 

If you PM wingman, he has had a lot of experience with bumpers. He would know.

 

2nd pic.... The bumper has a few slots in it. Those line up with the mount under the quarter panel and snap into it.

 

Wish I could offer some assistance here, but all my experience with bumpers is limited to front uns...

 

yep those line up and snap in fine...but the 1st pic is what it looks like when everything is bolted up. WTF am I doing wrong? As I hope that you all can see from the 2nd pic, no clips are broken on the spacer or the bumper.

 

Mine does the same thing. I hope the housing just needs to be replaced. Its probably old and tired and has lost it strength

 

I have an 07 w/ under 51k...I hope that's not the case, plus...it lined up when I took it off the first time.

 

If you still haven't fixed it I can help, there are 2 large tabs under each taillight bracket that bend down a little when you remove the bumper, bend those up a little so when you reinstall the bumper it will push it up and be real snug. That's how it is on ap1's hopefully on ap2's too. Goodluck

 

I will try this next weekend, I hope it works

 

Yeah gotta add if you haven't fixed it yet, pay close attention when putting the sides back in. Maybe get help from a buddy if possible. When sliding the bumper back on the clips on the side tend to naturally go under the tabs they are mean't to lock in to (mine does at least) so you have to physically move the sides up and "lock" them in, it will eliminate that gap.

Hope that helps.