If you've noticed your 2007 gmc sierra front bumper is starting to look a little even worse for wear, you're not really alone. Regardless of whether it's because associated with a rogue shopping cart software at the grocery store, a low-speed fender bender, or even just the inevitable rust that comes with a truck that's been on the road with regard to over fifteen many years, the front end of these vehicles takes a lot associated with abuse. The good news is that these Sierras had been built like tanks, and swapping out your bumper isn't nearly as intimidating as it might look when you're staring at most that chrome and steel.
Making Sure You Have got the proper Part
Before you go out and drop cash upon a replacement, there's a weird dodge about the 2007 model year that will catches a great deal of people away guard. GMC really sold two various body styles that will year. You've obtained the "Classic, " which is the older body design from your early 2000s, and after that you've obtained the "New Entire body Style" which launched the GMT900 platform.
If you buy a 2007 gmc sierra front bumper intended for a Classic and try to bolt it onto a brand new Body Style truck, you're going in order to have a very frustrating Sat afternoon. The mounting points are different, the curves don't line up, also it just won't work. Always double-check your VIN or look at your headlights—if they're stacked vertically, you've likely got the Classic. If they're huge and wrap around the aspect, you're looking from the New Entire body Style.
Why Bother Replacing It?
Honestly, some people simply live with a dented bumper, and that's fine if it's a work pickup truck. But for most of us, that bumper is the face from the truck. A rusty or twisted 2007 gmc sierra front bumper can produce a perfectly good engine and tranny resemble a junker.
Beyond simply looking better, the solid bumper is usually a safety thing. That metal isn't just there intended for decoration; it's the very first line of defense for your radiator and your engine motor. In the event that yours is kept on by go ties or hope, it might be time for you to actually fix it. Plus, in the event that you're planning on promoting the truck anytime soon, a clear front end can easily add hundreds, if not a thousand bucks, to the resale worth. People buy along with their eyes very first.
Choosing Between Chrome, Painted, or even Off-Road
Once you know which truck you possess, you've have got to choose what look you're going for. Many of these Sierras came along with that classic chromium finish. It's durable and looks excellent when it's clear, but once that will chrome starts to peel or "bubble" because of street salt, there's simply no real way to repair it other than replacing the entire device.
In case you aren't a fan associated with chrome, you can look into the "paint-to-match" bumper. These types of usually come in a black 1er, and you could either get them to some shop or, if you're feeling brave with a spray can, match it for your truck's color your self.
After that there's the entire world of heavy duty aftermarket bumpers. In the event that you do the lot of all-terrain or live within a location with a lot of deer, you might need to skip the OEM-style 2007 gmc sierra front bumper and choose something made associated with plate steel. These types of things are large, usually include winch mounts, and may essentially take down a little tree without flinching. Just keep within mind that they're a lot heavier and might create the front associated with your truck sag a little in case you don't possess beefed-up suspension.
What's in the Container?
Whenever you purchase a new bumper, pay close attention to what's in fact included. Sometimes you're just buying the particular "face bar"—that's the main metal item. Other times, it's a full package which includes the plastic material top pad (the part you can phase on), the lower air dam (the plastic bit at the end that always scrapes upon curbs), and the fog light housings.
When your current plastic bits are in great shape, you may save some money by just buying the particular metal bar plus swapping your older plastics over. Yet let's be real—after fifteen years, individuals plastic clips generally snap the time you attempt to touch them. It's often worth the additional fifty bucks to get a package that has all the new hardware plus plastic pieces all set to go.
Getting Right down to the Work
Alright, so you've got your fresh 2007 gmc sierra front bumper sitting within the drive. Now what? Replacing it is in fact a pretty straightforward DIY job if you have a simple set of tools. You don't require a lift or anything fancy, though another pair associated with hands is almost required because these items are awkward plus heavy.
Equipment You'll Likely Need
- A socket set (10mm, 15mm, and 18mm are the usual suspects)
- A flat-head screwdriver (for prying those annoying plastic clips)
- Pliers
- Safety glasses (because rust will fall in your eyes the second you crawl under there)
- A pal to help hold the bumper
The Basic Procedure
First, you'll want to pop the hood and look for the particular bolts holding the top of the bumper assembly. On the New Body Style trucks, there's often a plastic shroud you have to pop off initial. Once that's out there of the method, you can observe the main bolts.
Before you begin cranking upon those, crawl underneath and disconnect the wiring for your fog lights if you have them. You don't need to drop the particular bumper simply to understand you've ripped the wiring harness out of the vehicle. While you're down there, you'll notice the heavy-duty mounting bolts that attach the particular bumper brackets to the frame.
This is where the buddy comes in. Have them keep one side whilst you loosen the last few mounting bolts. Once they're away, the entire 2007 gmc sierra front bumper assembly ought to slide forward. It's an excellent feeling seeing everything that space, although you'll probably become surprised at how much dirt and gravel has already been living behind your bumper all these years.
Placing the New One particular On
Setting up the new one is basically just the particular reverse, but here's a pro suggestion: don't tighten everything down right away. Put the bolts in "finger tight" first. You need a little bit of wiggle room so you may guarantee the bumper is level and the gaps between bumper and the grille are even on both sides. There's nothing at all that screams "I did this personally in the dark" like a lopsided bumper.
Once this looks straight, turn those bolts lower. Plug your haze lights back in, snap the plastic trim pieces into place, and you're basically done. It's one particular of those projects that you can finish within a few hours yet makes the truck look five years youthful instantly.
Dealing with the "While You're In There" Stuff
Since you've already obtained the 2007 gmc sierra front bumper from the pickup truck, it's time for you to look at a few other things. How are your haze light bulbs searching? If they're original, they're probably poor or about in order to burn up. It's way simpler to swap all of them now than whenever the bumper is usually back on.
It's also a good time in order to check your tow hooks. If they're rusty, you can hit them along with some black aerosol paint to generate all of them pop against your own new bumper. Small details like that will associated with whole front end look cohesive and clean.
Where you can Buy?
You've got the few options when it comes to sourcing a 2007 gmc sierra front bumper .
- Local Salvage Yards: This is the cheapest route. In the event that you find a truck that was strike in the rear, the front bumper might be perfect. Just be prepared to the actual removal your self within the dirt.
- Online Retailers: Generally there are tons of sites that ship bumpers directly to your door. The shipping could be expensive because of the size, so look for places that will offer "free shipping" deals.
- Local Components Stores: Sometimes your regional auto body source shop can order one in regarding you. You might pay a bit more, but you don't possess to worry regarding the bumper getting dented by a delivery driver throughout shipping.
Final Thoughts
All in all, your 2007 gmc sierra front bumper is even more than just a piece of metal. It's what gives the truck its character. Regardless of whether you're going for that showroom-fresh stainless look or the rugged off-road character, taking the period to choose the correct part and install it correctly is definitely well worth the effort. It's a satisfying project that will doesn't need a degree in engineering, plus every time a person walk up to your truck within a parking great deal, you'll be happy you made it happen.
Remember: examine that body style (Classic vs. New) before you purchase! It'll help you save a massive headache and keep your truck searching sharp for an additional decade of driving.