DISCLAIMER: The procedures, methods and products written up here was for my circumstances only. I make no assertions that your results will be the same nor do I claim that this is the best way to do it. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!



MY2002 Before

Instructions:

1. First put the car up on jack stands and remove the two rear wheels.
2. Remove the two screws out of each wheel well, four in all.


3. Remove the three black plastic body fasteners by the trunk.

4. Go to the underside between the mufflers and remove the two black plastic body fasteners.
5. Go to the left side wheel well, with one hand on the bottom push up, with the other hand while pushing up pull out. The side should just pop out.
6. Go to the right side wheel well and do the same as the left side.
7. Unplug the license plate light.
8. Put hand above left muffler and gently pull towards you. The top left side of the cover will release.
9. Put hand above right muffler and gently pull towards you. The top right side of the cover will release.
10. Now gently pull cover towards you. Place cover on the ground.
11. To install follow directions in reverse order.

Modifications:
You will have to drill the 04 cover to accommodate the side screws in the wheel well.

You will also have to make a bracket so that the bottom black plastic fasteners will fit the body.

I made my brackets out of Aluminum I bought at Home Depot.

MY2002 After

 

interesting to see the '04's rear bumper hangs lower than the previous design.

 

Jim,

I think I like the 02 rear better.

 

I agree. I'm not being biased cause i like the '04 front end better then the '02. I plan on getting the '04 front end someday...

 

The previous picture because of the camera angel dosen't do it justice. However, I do like this picture better. I will try and take side and rear pictures also with my LE37T's.

 

Good thread, Jim.
Guys, this is a "How To" thread, NOT an "I like it or I don't like it thread". This has been discussed at length elsewhere.
Let's keep the comments and questions in the spirit of why this thread was started.

 

Looks great Jim. Excellent step-by-step instructions too. Very beneficial to the community for anyone else who attempts this installation. Thanks for sharing.

 

I was so hooked on the 04 rear bumper and getting it but after seeing those comparison pics, I'm not sure which bumper I like better....?

 

Looks great. Better than the 02. And great instructions.

 

I've added a new picture to the original post. I think it show better how the car looks and how the lines flow better.