Replacing rear bumper skid/garnsih

[hondapilot08]

I have an 08 Pilot EX-L with Navi.
I'm wondering if anyone can tell me how to replace the rear bumper garnish/Skid on Pilot or if it is even a DIY project? Dealer wants me to first order and pay for the part and then come and get the price on replacement. First they are over-charging on the part, then they will overcharge on the replacement.


Part number 17 is what I'm talking about in the below picture (also the two red color small reflectors - pictured towards the right side)

http://www.hondapartscheap.com/south...+Skid+Garnish+(+Bumper+Dark+Gray+)

I have never done car repairs myself before but I'm quite handy with the tools. As long as it can be done by one person without the use of some highly sophisticated tools, I think I can do it.


Thanks

[whizmo]

It's fairly straightforward to replace, but you do have to remove the bumper cover. To get the BC off, you have to remove about ten or fifteen little fasterners around the perimeter; most are the the plastic rivets that pop out; be sure you understand how these rivets work. The fender wells have a couple small screws that also have to come out with a stubby screwdriver or a bigger screwdriver if you remove the rear wheels. With the BC off, the garnish is held on by screws from the backside of the BC.

As with all fussy bodywork involving plastic clips and the like, you need to be patient and not force things if they don't want to come apart; figure out what's holding them together and work slowly.

One hassle - if you have the trailer hitch, a couple of the larger plastic rivets you need to remove are covered by the hitch and a real PITA to get out. I managed to get them without removing the hitch, but it was pretty difficult and I mangled them a bit. Without the hitch, everything is easy to get to.

Maybe a couple hour job the first time, 30 minutes with experience.

- Mark