Process for removing the two bolts behind the front tow hooks

[Mike E]

I was wondering if someone can outline the process for correctly removing the two bolts that are behind the front tow hooks on the H3. I have the older style where the little bolt is behind the hook and you have to remove stuff to get to it behind the bumper. I really don't feel like drilling through the plate like others or spinning the hook off and possibly scratching the paint on the bumper. I would like to take my time and remove them properly. Also, once I get them off, can I leave them off? Thanks guys!!! Mike

[Mike E]

I was wondering if someone can outline the process for correctly removing the two bolts that are behind the front tow hooks on the H3. I have the older style where the little bolt is behind the hook and you have to remove stuff to get to it behind the bumper. I really don't feel like drilling through the plate like others or spinning the hook off and possibly scratching the paint on the bumper. I would like to take my time and remove them properly. Also, once I get them off, can I leave them off? Thanks guys!!! Mike

[BradO]

http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/2706067735/m/6...501030731#6501030731 (http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/2706067735/m/6501030731/r/6501030731#6501030731)

[StarsnBars]

Brads link made me laugh again. I was into the first full hour of getting my hook mounts off with instructions I got with my Aries brushguard. Jeeze not good. I think Aries was Farkin with me. I ended up drilling them out, and filling the holes with alittle black silicone. Its just a retainer clip on a small 1/4 inch stud holding the bracket on. If you wiggle the bracket till it rotates freely you can pop the retainer clip off and your in business. Use a pry bar and towel to protect your bumper. It will snap off fairly easy. This stud is really of no use other than holding the mount on during assembly at the plant. After I drilled I saw how easy it would of been to just twist and snap, but I didnt know that at the time. Its up to you if you want to take front end parts off,,,Brads link was alittle over the top for this issue, It can be done without taking the whole front end off. Hope this helps,,,, See ya

[Mike E]

StarsnBars, thanks for the tip! maybe i'll give that a try before I go into the full blown removal process. I'm just afraid of scratching the bumber but I'll use the towels.

[fourfourto]

Maybe use some of the good blue masking tape to protect bumper.

[H3Eric]

I recently removed those two bolts by removing the whole bumper, etc. I do have air tools so for me it was less than 30 minutes to install the new SMA HD brushguard.

[Mike E]

Well, got it all done tonight. i tried the pry bar and wiggling and didn't get very far so i eneded up taking the grille and bumper off. It took me about and hour to complete the job. Very simple really, thanks to everyone here! As soon as the brush guard arrives it should be a quick and simple install and the dealer won't be getting my money on this one! Thanks again guys. Mike

[StarsnBars]

Sounds like a few pics are in order when you get your guard. Looking forward to the post Mike. See ya

[Mike E]

pictures will be posted as soon as I get it installed. Thanks!