Front Bumper Removal on a F430

It should be pretty similar to the 360 but don't know that for sure.

Try this link:

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20143&highlight=front+challenge+grills

 

I just saw mine the other day with the bumper off...I'm having a radar/laser detector installed and I stopped by to see the progress (he's also installing Hill Engineering skid plates and a battery tender hook up while he's at it). It looked like there were about 8 bolts holding it on. The 360 thread referenced above mentioned wheel removal...no need on the F430. The guy who does my customizing (Gerry Shanks of Gerry's Rigs in Tucson) said it is really nicely done. The only issue, he said, was that some of the fasteners are hidden under black silicon in the trunk, so you really have to dig them out. Other than that, he said that the way it is engineered makes it go back on with perfect alignment. I'll be picking it up this afternoon so I'll ask Gerry to post to this thread with his comments.

 

I had saved that thread, because I have to remove mine to replace the horn with a decent one.

I have not as yet had the chance, but apparently it's quite easy.

 

Those directions are pretty close with a few things to note. Tape the lower bumper and the top clip with masking tape. This will keep the paint from getting scratched if you accidently bump them together when removing it. The lower two bolts inside the trunk are buried in black silicone. expose enough of the nut to get a socket on it then you can back them out.(when you reinstall make sure to re silicone these after you tighten them.) Have two people to remove the bumper, and when you first move it away you have to disconect running lights on both sides, as well as the washer resevior.(It has a little push tab and then the hose pops off.(be ready with a bowl because the feed is at the bottom!) After you remove the bumper, check the four bolts that are in the center. Each one should have a foam washer on it.(Two stuck to the car when I just did it.)Make sure these go back on when you are reinstalling it. On re install I was able to plug in the parking lights once the bumper was back on. Also, the four bolts have a minor amount of play in them. On rein you may have to line up the two on one side and slightly push on the other(I used a long screwdriver) to get them in the holes. It really was easy, and the fit was so tight that its really hard to mess it up. I also put down thick carpet pieces on the floor under and in front of the bumper, so when it came off you could set it down and unplug the stuff from it. Hope this helps, if you have any ?? just let me know.
Sorry forgot. The wheels do not need to come off, just turn them to access the screws and on allen head.

 

It took me awhile to find the two nuts buried under the silicone. I have a full shop, so to do it again would probably be about 20 mins total. Depending on available tools and know how, with the above directions, about an hour would seem average.

P.S. Love the avitar. who is it?

 

Her name is Lada Busta!

 

Bigger pic please...strictly for scientific research of course!

But seriously....bigger pic!!!!!!!!!!

 

Tarek,

Please, keep us "abreast" of the "developments" here at your earliest!