E85/86 Front bumper reflector removal - Help needed

[Skysurfer]

Hi folks, I promised I've looked, everything I found seems to be about buying/replacing like for like, no post about how to actually remove them.

I'm looking to blank mine out with a replacement blanking plate.

I went on a reccie mission today and started removing the wheel arch liner to see what would be required.

I decided to put it back for now as the expanding rivets holding the liner in place were shot to s**t.

I've ordered some replacements and am now hoping to get some time and stress saving lifehack tips from fellow members on what tools I should use and how best to approach this job.

Thanks in advance!

Edit to add a picture so you can see a.) what I'm talking about, and b.) why I want to blank them.

 

[caius]

Looking at pictures of a bumper on ebay it seems the reflectors are fixed in by either two lugs or two bolts. If its two lugs you might be able to just pry them out, if they're bolted they'd need a hand up the back which you might be able to do through the headlight adjustment cover in the liner.

I have a slight suspicion that they'll be held in with the bumper clip at the top where it meets the wing though, so you probably need to drop the bumper off. shows the process for that

 

[caius]

https://z4-forum.com/threads/how-to-pop-the-front-reflector-out-in-07.6964/#post-106015 suggests there are two self-tapping nuts on the back of the reflector, so you can't pry it out. (The bonnet badge is held on the same way from memory.)

 

[Skysurfer]

Looking at pictures of a bumper on ebay it seems the reflectors are fixed in by either two lugs or two bolts. If its two lugs you might be able to just pry them out, if they're bolted they'd need a hand up the back which you might be able to do through the headlight adjustment cover in the liner.

I have a slight suspicion that they'll be held in with the bumper clip at the top where it meets the wing though, so you probably need to drop the bumper off. shows the process for that

Thanks for that! Very helpful indeed

 

[SebGwizdek]

The above answer is correct.

2 x 10mm nuts that self thread themselves, you’ll need to undo the clips on the edge of the arch liner by punching the centre in then removing the outer bit, it’s a lottery whether you retrieve the centres. Once done you’ll be able to get in there and remove.

You can do this with the wheel on but it’s a touch fiddly

 

[zedwheels]

Could they be spray painted to match the cars paint code? Just a thought.