Fixing big gap inbetween taillights and bumper

[Dlauth]

So I have an after market rear bumper I really want to put on my s14 zenki. When mounted it had a huge like 1" gap from the taillights and the bumper. Is there anything I can do to fix this, should i use fiberglass or weatherstripping or something?

Thanks in advaced

[SilviaSR20DET]

best bet is to put back on your front reinforcement bar

[punxva]

the reason you have a gap is because you don't have your actual bumper aka reinforcement on the back. the bumpers only have 6 10mm's holding it on from the factory, plus the 4 reinforcement bolts that keep the bumper up and doesn't allow it to sag.

[Dlauth]

so your saying the bolts that are on the bottom are the ones that make stock bumpers not sag? It looks like the top of the aftermarket bumper is not as tall as the oem one causing a gap. I do not think its anything making it sag. Oh and also its my rear bumper (taillights and bumper gap)

[SilviaSR20DET]

sorry thought you mean the front bumper. But punxva is right, your probably sagging cause there is no bar their thats holding it place. Load up the fsm specific to your car and see waht the bar is and then remove your rear bumper to see whats missing.

post a pic

[SlideWell]

post pics and name the brand of it.

[Dlauth]

I know its kindof hard to see because of the angle and snow but you can see the gap im talking about below the middle garnish.

[SlideWell]

you can fix that with the upper retainer which is adjustable. trial and error, gotta love body kits.

[Dlauth]

upper retainer? could you please point it out to me?

[S14DB]

Loosen the bolts in the trunk then Jack it up or have someone push up on the bumper.

You may have to take it off again and bend the rail up.

Your trunk looks to be out of alignment.

[SlideWell]

yeah, theres what, 3 bolts on each side of the inside of the trunk. those need to be adjusted with holes in your bumper. youll definitely want a helping hand. even mine has a slight gap in the center tail and all was installed professionally. mod after mod on my cars, ive just learned to accept that if its not all oem, its just not going to fit just like it or fill all the gaps. but you can get it damn close!
the upper retainer is behind your rear bumper on top. its a piece of metal about the size of your forearm thats bolted on.

[S14DB]

Center tail gap is your trunk alignment.

[SlideWell]

Originally Posted by S14DB

Center tail gap is your trunk alignment.

yay for 15 year old cars

[Dlauth]

so do you guys think its more of my trunk is messed up or do I need to adjust my bumper. To me it looks like the bumper is fine because the only place were the gap really is is below the center tail.

[S14DB]

It's 4 10 or 12mm bolts. 2 on the top latch 2 on the bottom. Throw someone small enough in the trunk with a ratchet. Close the trunk and have them loosen the 4 bolts then sit on the trunk. Have them center the latches then tighten the 4 bolts. Then get off the trunk.

[Enna]

Thats the best idea I've heard so far. I gotta do this to mine. Good thing I have a friend small enough to fit in my trunk with my sub

looks like its both, your bumper support could use some massaging and your trunk FOR SURE needs an alignment.

get to work, any body shop should be able to handle this for you