winch cover removal (European cars with plastic bumpers)

[Jean Mercier]

A better picture of the screws of the removable winch cover:

 

[WhiteBear]

The engineers were just fed up with designing the winch bumper and took the next screws that they could find on their cad-monitor. Man, is there a cheaper solution to find?
Again thank you, Jean.

 

[To]

The engineers were just fed up with designing the winch bumper and took the next screws that they could find on their cad-monitor. Man, is there a cheaper solution to find?
Again thank you, Jean.

With such cheap solutions, they immediately ruin their reputation. The rest can be as good as it wants. The attention to detail is missing. If more of this crap is posted here, then they can keep the car immediately. It reminds me a lot of the Defender. Good thing I didn't order a winch.

 

[emax]

Man, is there a cheaper solution to find?

Velcro tape.

 

[rovie]

A better picture of the screws of the removable winch cover:

View attachment 7805023

That looks really professional.

 

[DaveB]

A better picture of the screws of the removable winch cover:

View attachment 7805023

Just push the license plate to the left about 20mm and flip it up

 

[Barney]

I plan to make a folding solution myself (from the existing license plate holder), but I don't know how to dismantle the plastic bumper to make screw holes. Are there instructions? Has anyone in the forum ever removed the front bumper or the plastic part in Europe? Here are the links to the snap-in hinges and magnetic holders that I thought of using. I'm very interested in your opinion before I order the parts. https://www.ganternorm.com/de/produ...Magnetverschluesse-mit-gummierter-Haftflaeche

 

[emax]

Hi Barney,

I can't tell you anything about the dismantling. However, you should make sure that the magnets are water-resistant and can be used outdoors for a long time. And if I think of anything else, I'll let you know.

The problem is that you always have to have the whole picture of the solution.

Otherwise interesting project. Keep us informed.

 

[Barney]

Hi emax

Hi Barney,

I can't tell you anything about the dismantling. However, you should make sure that the magnets are water-resistant and can be used outdoors for a long time. And if I think of anything else, I'll let you know.

The problem is that you always have to have the whole picture of the solution.

Otherwise interesting project. Keep us informed.

Hi emax the company for the magnetic catches and hinges makes a great impression, Swabian workmanship. Take a look at the homepage and look at the 3D animation of the parts. Well done. I would take photos of the bumper to show the problem that you can't simply insert bolts/screws without dismantling it. But it's cold and uncomfortable outside. Maybe I'll go out again soon...

 

[Barney]

So, it seems to be easy, I haven't done the whole job since I haven't ordered the hinges yet. But I will do it. The middle part can be removed with 2 x 11 screws. As far as I can see now. At the point where my finger is behind the bumper part that has been pulled slightly forward there is an Allen screw. This (along with other screws that I couldn't see yet) will connect the metal plate to the plastic part, then you can easily drill into the plastic for bolts/screws. 2 hinges on top and the three planned magnetic catches whose galvanized counter plate will disappear exactly into the slots. That's the plan.

 

[Barney]

@Lollo050966 and I implemented the plan together last weekend. To try it and have fun crafting together. Admittedly it looks a bit complicated in the photos, but it's not. The middle part of the bumper is very easy to remove, but the cables prevent you from placing it on the floor, so you need a base with a box and, for example, Styrofoam. The metal plate behind the plastic middle part must be removed. Then you can drill, cut and process the plastic with the Dremel. We planned to use 6 square nuts on top, but both of us only had 5s instead of 4s. So we used countersunk screws. It looks a bit adventurous below because the magnets have to be located far inside and the plastic of the license plate holder is not flat in this section. Therefore we had to cut a little further than originally planned. But it works with the snap-in top hinges, doesn't rattle and is an inexpensive alternative to LeTech. Le Tech was the fallback solution.
I put black dummy screws in the empty screw holes.
We applied screw glue to all screws.
Now it's just one move and we can use the winch.
Thank you Lolo050966 for your hospitality. :kichern:

 

[DaveB]

@Lollo050966 and I implemented the plan together last weekend. To try it and have fun crafting together. Admittedly it looks a bit complicated in the photos, but it's not. The middle part of the bumper is very easy to remove, but the cables prevent you from placing it on the floor, so you need a base with a box and, for example, Styrofoam. The metal plate behind the plastic middle part must be removed. Then you can drill, cut and process the plastic with the Dremel. We planned to use 6 square nuts on top, but both of us only had 5s instead of 4s. So we used countersunk screws. It looks a bit adventurous below because the magnets have to be located far inside and the plastic of the license plate holder is not flat in this section. Therefore we had to cut a little further than originally planned. But it works with the snap-in top hinges, doesn't rattle and is an inexpensive alternative to LeTech. Le Tech was the fallback solution.
I put black dummy screws in the empty screw holes.
We applied screw glue to all screws.
Now it's just one move and we can use the winch.
Thank you Lolo050966 for your hospitality. :kichern:

Much easier here.

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/m-HwP35Nfkw

 

[Barney]

I found the slightly rusty screws here less attractive. I have to treat her. But now I can reach them with spray.

 

[DaveB]

I found the slightly rusty screws here less attractive. I have to treat her. But now I can reach them with spray.

That looks like the galvanised layer has been rubbed off by the rattle gun socket as it hit bottom.
Normally ou use a socket which ensures the nut hits required torque before the socket grounds out.

 

[Jean Mercier]

@Lollo050966 and I implemented the plan together last weekend. To try it and have fun crafting together. Admittedly it looks a bit complicated in the photos, but it's not. The middle part of the bumper is very easy to remove, but the cables prevent you from placing it on the floor, so you need a base with a box and, for example, Styrofoam. The metal plate behind the plastic middle part must be removed. Then you can drill, cut and process the plastic with the Dremel. We planned to use 6 square nuts on top, but both of us only had 5s instead of 4s. So we used countersunk screws. It looks a bit adventurous below because the magnets have to be located far inside and the plastic of the license plate holder is not flat in this section. Therefore we had to cut a little further than originally planned. But it works with the snap-in top hinges, doesn't rattle and is an inexpensive alternative to LeTech. Le Tech was the fallback solution.
I put black dummy screws in the empty screw holes.
We applied screw glue to all screws.
Now it's just one move and we can use the winch.
Thank you Lolo050966 for your hospitality. :kichern:

Congratulations to both of you. This was also something that was on my "to do" list. Now it will be easy "copy paste".
Thank you
I would probably continue to use screws when I am not travelling, only to avoid that some curious guys open my winch cover.

 

[Lollo050968]

That looks like the galvanised layer has been rubbed off by the rattle gun socket as it hit bottom.
Normally ou use a socket which ensures the nut hits required torque before the socket grounds out.

„My“ screws, same place, had the same look. I will use some sand paper and marine grease…..and check again in a few month

 

[Catpaw4x4]

My understanding is USA and AU get the flip up license plate cover. There might be a hack when comes to make one for EU spec bumpers.

I have a flip up plate holder (USA) - push to left to "release", flip up and slider to right - reverse process to secure in "down/locked" position. But it exposes everything to road grim etc. Think I would prefer to protect the "contents".

 

[Barney]

Much easier here.

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/m-HwP35Nfkw

In Germany we have to take care because of Pedestrian protection certification by the Federal Institute for Roads. So I wanted to keep the original part. The Le Tech solution for us Europeans is certainly nicer but quite expensive in comparison.

 

[Catpaw4x4]

I found the slightly rusty screws here less attractive. I have to treat her. But now I can reach them with spray.

Yes! Saw those rusted screws today -gobsmacked those were allowed to leave the factory!

 

[Lollo050968]

I have a flip up plate holder - push to left to "release", flip up and slider to right - reverse process to secure in "down/locked" position. But it exposes everything to road grim etc. Think I would prefer to protect the "contents".

Our solution changes nothing of the protection. The EU bumper design protects really good the tow and the winch of environmental influence, was dry and not really dirty.And we had bad weather the last week and Barney traveled more than 200km motorway to me.
We found on both cars in every gap mud of the first Ineos Greanadier Germany meeting, but nearly nothing in front of the winch.
We remembered @AWo speech: You will take something home from the Mammutpark