Fascia Removal Update And Comments

[Graphite Snake]

There are some fascia threads about removing the fascia and bumper as a single unit. I just used that method. It's much easier and quicker than removing just the fascia. Search and read those threads. No Xmas tree pins to deal with except the broken/missing one you'll find when you remove the fascia asst. Napa has the sizes you need to replace them and the ones under the headlights are no problem anymore.
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The 3 piece shroud over the radiator: The 2 ends are attached with Xmas trees. One for each end. PITA to reach and remove. I used a small tooth hacksaw blade to cut the stems (carefully). A wide coping saw blade works well too. I replaced them with 1/4 x20 x 1" body bolts from Tractor Supply and they come with a 1" washer. Put a speed nut where the tree pins were. Now simple to remove and install.. Cushion the plastic/metal washer interface if you want. I used some leather I had layin' around the shop.
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My Viper is completely stock and did not have nylon lock nuts. So if you don't see any, just steel nuts, you're ok. Loosen the 2 nuts (rt and lft) thru the hood opening as instructed. When you come to the 2 pairs of nuts right and left thru the "crosshairs" loosen the outside nuts only The inside nuts stay tight. Period. The nuts on my 2002 are 14mm. I've read 13 and 15 too Maybe the change with different years?
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People asked about shims in one thread. The few shims I saw were large and fixed to the frame plates. These plates have large shims are fixed to the frame horns and also the back of the bumper/fascia assy. No small shims to drop loose. Shims are easy to make out of any thin material or thicker metal stock or you can buy them at Napa or any body shop supply. Cut to size, drill the hole, and use tin snips to cut to the hole (2 cuts). Hacksaw for thicker metal stock. All this applies to my 2002 RT10.
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I removed my fascia with the car on the deck....put a furney pad all the way across under fascia. After gently prying the end away it came loose and was already safely on the pad. The assembly weighs about 50 lbs. Having a helper doesn't hurt. The groove towards the bottom of the fascia (that goes all around) is a good break point if you're just repairing scratches underneath. Lastly, my body guy was delighted the fascia and bumper were one. Gave him ideal points to mount the whole thing on his work rack. Don't hesitate to remove your fascia. It's a piece of cake.