Sorry to say but unless things have changed since the photographs at the start of this thread, I don't think the secure mounting of the headlight is the real problem you're facing. The MOT will object if the metal crash bar is poking through the plastic bumper shell or there are any sharp-ish edges around the cracked bit. I'd say you're going to need to get the bumper off to replace it, not just to retrieve the dropped bolt.
Sorry to say but unless things have changed since the photographs at the start of this thread, I don't think the secure mounting of the headlight is the real problem you're facing. The MOT will object if the metal crash bar is poking through the plastic bumper shell or there are any sharp-ish edges around the cracked bit. I'd say you're going to need to get the bumper off to replace it, not just to retrieve the dropped bolt.
You need to replace it beforehand, unless you are having the garage do the work before they run the MOT test. Should the car's MOT expire before you can acquire a replacement, leave it insured but keep it off road. Book an MOT appointment once you have the new bumper shell in hand and when that day comes, drive it directly there. If you aren't going to fit it yourself, you will need to use a garage that does work as well as MOTs, rather than just take it to an MOT test centre.
what if I was to use the "boiling kettle" trick to soften the plastic and then pull it out the bit that got smushed and ten taped it up on the seam were edge of crash bar can be seen?
not sure I can get a replacement bumper in time... MOT expires on 25th so I suppose I can reshedule my Monday appointment
Hi,
just seen this thread, I recognise your car from my way home from work so you must live close to me. I remember the bumper
Let me know if you need any help or advice.
The nut in the panel is a captive "rivnut". It cannot fall out, there is a flange on the top and expands below to hold in place during installation. They are designed to be fitted into panels from the outside face where the other side is inaccessible.
However, the headlight bolts quite often rust and break off so the original fixing may have been drilled out in the past and replaced by something else.
regards
Andrew
That's duct tape, in terms from 'over the pond'. I'm not sure you're going to be able to get the current bumper to a state where you can apply it though ...
I edited my post above but only after the next posts had gone on, so it's probably worth saying again here:
Looking at the photos again you'd most likely have to access the bumper from the inside to persuade that lot to come out. Maybe you could get away with drilling holes in the crease and pulling it out with hooks once you've softened the plastic.
I wish you luck, but I do think your best bet is the bumper that @sciroccorrado has offered you.
Ive a suHi Andrew, I've seen a few A2s around here... um, can I borrow your front bumper for an afternoon? ha ha just kidding...
gerard
Or alternatively revisit a2 Steve quote for replacement parts which looks an absolute bargain imho.I think you are right.... just trying to get as much info I can and I'll swing by garage Friday... if he says duct tape will get through MOT then I'll do it though might need 4 rolls ha ha... admittedly it is probably a slim chance of happening...
Ive a su
Or alternatively revisit a2 Steve quote for replacement parts which looks an absolute bargain imho.