Ok so i got in an accident, some lady rear ended me right into my hitch! i am getting a new hitch and bumper. the body shop guy said something about a piece of metal that runs through the bumper to help the hitch?!? dunno but oh well, my question is have anybody replaced, with gm parts of course, the bumper and hitch. i want to do it my self but the body shop guys makes it sound like it is quite a chore. i can get the parts cheap and wanted to do it my self to help with christmas coming. any body done this or any one help.
thanks in advance
nick

 

I know there is 2 threaded holes in the bumper that the back part of the hitch bolts to. 2 bolts go through the hitch and onto the bumper. There is a total of 6 bolts which hold the hitch on and shouldn't take you more than 20 minutes to install. I haven't removed a bumper, but I'm pretty sure that is straight forward as well. If the truck was hit from the back, I would be sure to change the brackets so that everything turns out straight.

 

I would have the repair shop do it, then make the lady pay for it. Then you know its done right.

 

i know it is easy i want to do it myself b/c i can order parts at wholesale through my dad. the main reason for the post was to see if anyone else had removed one.

and she does have to pay for it she hit me!

 

I have done it and it is real easy. There are some brackets and the hitch just does have two bolts that go into the bumper very easy takes a few minutes make sure she didn't bend any of the frame where the bumper brackets bolts to it not uncomon but you can usually use a BFH and go down the road. Of course if it were me I would just let the shop do it for you since you don't owe here any favors and she is paying unless you are trying to make the money yourself? Good luck!

 

thanks for the reply! i am hoping to just get a check and make a few bucks. my uncle has a body shop and i have toyed around with just gettin a roll pan and a hidden hitch but i am not sure. i have replaced bumpers b4 but was just gatherin a little info before i make up my mind.