1987-1993 Mustang GT Front Bumper Cover Install

It's hard to believe, but the Mustang Fox Body is starting to become a "classic" car. The last Fox Body rolled off of the factory floor over 30 years ago. These cars have been around for a very long time, so they're not always in the best shape. Body panels start to crack or sag, paint starts to fade, and plastics begin to crack. If your Fox's front bumper looks like it's about to bite the dust, installing an aftermarket Mustang bumper is a great idea. It's a relatively simple job that takes around 2-3 hours.

We're going to install a factory reproduction bumper onto a 1987-1993 Fox Body GT. But, if you have a 1987-1993 Mustang LX or other model, you can still follow these steps to install your new bumper cover with a few minor differences. The process is also largely the same for 1979-1986 Foxes as well, but there will be a few small differences as well.

Mustang Fox Body Front Bumper Cover Installation Instructions

Before we get started, it's important to note that this front bumper is a direct replacement and installs using all of the factory hardware. You're going to need some rivets to install this properly as well. Check out our wide selection of replacement Mustang hardware if you need anything.

Parts and Tools Needed:

• 1/4" Ratchet
• 8MM Socket
• 10MM Socket
• 7/16" Socket
• Short Extensions
• Drill & Drill Bit
• Rivet Gun
• Jack
• Jack Stands

Step 1: Open the Hood

Open the hood so you can access the engine bay.

Step 2: Jack up the car

Jack up the car and mount it securely on jack stands.

Step 3: Unscrew Hardware on Top Mounting Brackets

Locate and remove the four bolts on the two mounting brackets holding the bumper to the frame on either side of the trunk latch.

Step 4: Remove Bumper Hardware

Locate and remove the two bolts on either side of the bumper and remove them.

Step 5: Remove the Inner Bumper Mounting Bracket Hardware

Locate the L-brackets on either side of the headlight panel and remove the hardware.

Step 6: Remove the Front Wheels

Remove the front wheels to access the underside of the bumper and inside the wheel wells.

Step 7: Remove the Fender Hardware

Look underneath the front bumper from the wheel well and remove the five nuts holding the fender to the bumper on either side. Then, remove the two nuts holding the lower, ground effects piece of the front bumper to the frame.

Step 8: Remove More Bumper Hardware

From underneath the front bumper, remove the four bolts connecting the underside of the front bumper to the frame.

Step 9: Disconnect the Fog Lights

Disconnect the fog lights on either side to ensure easy removal of the front bumper cover.

Step 10: Remove the Front Bumper

Gently remove the front bumper cover and disconnect the headlights during the process.

Step 11: Remove the Headlights

Remove the headlights to access two rivets necessary for installing the new bumper cover. If you're looking to replace your Fox Body's light bulbs or restore your headlights, now is the perfect time.

Step 12: Drill Out the Rivets

Drill out the rivets on the bumper cover to separate the header panel from the bumper cover. There are six on top and eight below.

Step 13: Remove Push Pins

Remove the push pins connecting the header panel to the bumper cover as well.

Step 14: Separate the Two Halves

Separate the header panel from the front bumper cover by gently pulling the two halves apart. Be careful not to damage the header panel as it will be reused on the new bumper.

Step 15: Attach the Header Panel to the New Bumper

Gently push the header panel into place on the new bumper while being careful to line up the two pieces properly. Then, using your rivet gun, install new rivets in the spaces left behind where you popped out the factory rivets on the old bumper.

Step 16: Reinstall the Ford Emblem

Drill three holes in the embossed areas on the front bumper cover where the emblem goes.Then, slot the emblem into place and install the proper hardware.

Step 17: Reinstall the Factory Lights

Reinstall the factory headlights and fog lights or replace them with new units.

Step 18: Reinstall the Front Bumper Cover

Line the front bumper cover up and plug in your lights. Then, slide it into place on the car and reinstall the factory hardware.

Congratulations, you're done!

Make the Most of Your New Front Bumper Cover

Installing a new factory reproduction bumper cover is a great way to improve the overall look of your front clip while keeping proper body panel fitment. Installing this new front bumper cover is a great time to also install some new Mustang headlights or fog lights to complete the look. If you have a few other body panels that are showing their age, check out our wide selection of Mustang body panels as well.