Back Bumper: needs replacement - how do I remove it?

[sad-lumina-owner]

The metal underpiece for the back bumper needs replacement, its rusted so bad one end seems to be coming off the connection to the frame/body.

It looks like 8 (?) bolts, 4 on each side hold it on, but only two are exposed from below (and the mufflers may have to come off again?).

I am assuming four upper bolts (as well as 2 - 4 bolts on each side screwing it to back fenders.)

Its not at all clear however, how to get at the top row of bolts holding it on.

The red plastic cover comes off, but I'm not sure if the bumper has to be removed first or later.

Somebody quoted me $135 for this part (metal 'rebar') or "bumper reinforcement piece" (not even clear what its called).

I saw it on sale for $30 but when I tried to order it they didn't have it in stock.

I am betting that this part fits a half-dozen different GM cars. Does anyone know about that? (compatibility / replacement bumper reinforcements?)

I don't want to start this job until I'm sure about the procedure (nothing in the usual manuals on this, I guess it falls under bodywork).

By the way, the bolts look so rusted that I may not be able to get a wrench or ratchet on them at all. Will they normally be chiselled off?


This is the part: (3rd item down, rear bumper reinforcement)
http://www.automotix.net/bodyparts/1...subtype=bumper