Rear-Bumper Issue
 

A year ago, a neighbor backed into my rear bumper. The impact forced the bumper downwards, creating a large gap between the rear quarter-panel and the bumper itself. I took it to the shop to get the bumper re-painted and re-installed on the car. A year after all this, something is bothering me. On the left side of the car only, there is still a small gap between the bumper and the rear-quarter. It's not annoying enough to take it back to the shop and tell them to fix it, but it does bother me because I'm anal. Plus, I want the satisfaction of fixing it myself.

I'l attach a picture of the situation. The question: What do I need to do to get the bumper to fit like it should? I know on the front bumper, it kind of "seats" into place...is it the same thing with the rear bumper?

Also what's odd is, on the right side of the bumper, it looks perfect. It's like the left side isn't seated correctly or something.

same problem here since some girl ran into me at a drive through a couple years ago. I have been reluctant to take the rear bumper off to try and fix it, because ever since the first time i took my front bumper off, it hasnt fit as perfect as it used to.

I would say take it off and look at the metal frame that holds up the bumper, most likely it is still bent downwards. Take your time and im sure you can fix it yourself...ive never taken a civic rear bumper but it might have a bolt inside the rear quarter-panel...good luck

Thanks guys. Yeah I'l take it off and look at the supports or whatever. You would think at the body shop they would think to do that, but I guess I give people too much credit.

So how exactly does the rear bumper come off anyways?

UPDATE

I fixed it and it looks good as new! Like you guys said, the mounting brackets were still bent. It looks like the body shop didn't even attempt to bend them back, or half assed it (what else is new).

To be exact, the problem was the mounting "tab" on the left side. Since the right side was perfect, I used that as a guide and made the one on the left identical. I just used a tire iron to bend it back.

Thanks for the help guys

glad to hear it was that easy. Ill try that on my next day off.

Good, you seem like a perfectionist. Thats cool cause I am too. Especially with my truck since paint job is like new still, one little scratch and its time for wetsanding to remove it.