modifications > Front Bumper Fix

What caused my bumper issue, and why did I have to fix it?

A brief search on the interwebz has shown the GRC (and late model Corollas in general) have an issue where the front bumper pops loose on either side for no particular reason at all. This can happen to a factory stock, unmolested GRC. No fender bender. It just happens. For us folks that have taken the front bumper off their GRC for an intercooler install, it's almost guaranteed to happen. Some have tried temporary solutions (e.g. 3M tape, bondo, prayers, etc.). It's frustrating to walk back to your GRC only to see the dreaded gap left where the front bumper has popped out under the headlight. It's truly the stuff of nightmares. I've heard it can even cause ED. No issues here. Just ask the wife (no pics).

A company called 555 Engineering offers a set of metal shims (1 for each side) that get bonded to each side of the front bumper. Problem is the bondo has to cure at least 24 hours. Not good if the GRC is your daily driver and only vehicle. I own a handful of vehicles, but I opted to find a DIY fix that anyone could do without the use of bondo or anything requiring a cure time. It's also easy to remove.

A few shims (spacers) are cut out of a cheap aluminum bar stock sourced from any hardware store. Attach a piece of 3M double-sided tape to the bottom of each shim. Install 3 shims per side. When reinstalling the front bumper, it is pulled over the 3 shims and each bumper tab locks into the respective slot. I recommend installing these shims on both sides, even if only one side of your GRC front bumper is giving you issues. No further issues. Now I can use my prayers for something more important.