Trimming Front Bumper End Caps

Jester99 · Sep 22, 2008

I'm ready to trim the front bumper end caps on my 99 and get rid of that annoyingly stupid center section. The problem is I don't know what kind of tools I need for the job. Sears is having a sell on all of their tools this week so I figured I would pick up whatever I need to get the job done provided its not too expensive. And another thing, what do I need to remove the plastic center piece? It's held on by two bolts and I can't figure out what the hell they are. It looks as though I would have to take the bumper off to access them from the other side.

98XJSport · Sep 22, 2008

The center is held on with rivets, at least it was on my 98. Took a hammer and punch, and popped the rivet centers out, then clipped what was left of the rivet off.

I used a cutting wheel on a dremel for the endcaps, and a utility knife when the weather is warm enough.

jeepster_259 · Sep 22, 2008

I drilled out the rivets yesterday. Very quick and easy. I just took all of the trim off as I'm going to be trimming the fenders. I kind of like the look without all of the frilly stuff.

MTBracer367 · Sep 22, 2008

i just drilled out the rivits for the cdenter sectio and used a drywall saw for the end caps then cleaned up the edges with some med(100 or somehting close) grit sandpaper

drifto77 · Sep 22, 2008

I used a bandsaw on my endcaps.
I still need to install the rear ones and trim the fenders.

pyrotyro · Sep 23, 2008

i used a dremel to just trim the plastic enough to stuff my 32.

i thought it turned out very well,
i like how it looks stock (unless you know where to look) and it allows me to flex a 32 on the RE 3.5" dang well

JOSEJALAPENO · Sep 23, 2008

That looks great! Thats about the same set up i have on 89.

pyrotyro · Sep 23, 2008

JOSEJALAPENO said:
That looks great! Thats about the same set up i have on 89.

the cherokee fenders with a bit of modifying can actually stuff a good size tire easily!!

SurfXJSnow · Sep 23, 2008

you dont need a saw, or even a dremel... park it out in the sun for a few hours and get them semi warm, then use a utility knife and it cuts like butter...

You cant really see much from this picture, (this is before the lift). I went ahead and trimmed off the bottom section of the stock bumper for better clearance... then trimmed the end caps all the way to where the ends of the steel bumper are so you cant see the hollow ends. Looks good, and no more rubbing.

01_XJ · Sep 23, 2008

SurfXJSnow said:
you dont need a saw, or even a dremel... park it out in the sun for a few hours and get them semi warm, then use a utility knife and it cuts like butter...

You cant really see much from this picture, (this is before the lift). I went ahead and trimmed off the bottom section of the stock bumper for better clearance... then trimmed the end caps all the way to where the ends of the steel bumper are so you cant see the hollow ends. Looks good, and no more rubbing.

That looks good.

On mine I just cut right at the edge of where the fender line was on the end cap.

jeepcj/jeepxj · Sep 23, 2008

I have a question and was wondering if anyone knew the answer? I have a 97+ xj and I would like to remove my endcaps and replace them with the 84-96 endcaps??? Will they fit???

BIGSLVRXJ · Sep 23, 2008

jeepcj/jeepxj said:
I have a question and was wondering if anyone knew the answer? I have a 97+ xj and I would like to remove my endcaps and replace them with the 84-96 endcaps??? Will they fit???

There have been people that have done it, I think it requires drilling new holes though. You can also use the whole older bumper assembly both front and rear too.

Trimming Front Bumper End Caps

Jester99

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98XJSport

Destiny is the rising sun

jeepster_259

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MTBracer367

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drifto77

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pyrotyro

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JOSEJALAPENO

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pyrotyro

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SurfXJSnow

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01_XJ

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jeepcj/jeepxj

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BIGSLVRXJ

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