Chevrolet Corvette (2004-2013) How to Remove the Bumpers

The Chevrolet Corvette C6 is the sixth generation of the legendary American sports car, produced from 2004 to 2013. This model marked a significant step forward compared to its predecessor (the C5), featuring a more modern design, improved technical components, and a higher level of comfort.

Production Years and Model Code

Production of the Corvette C6 began in 2004 for the 2005 model year, with the last units rolling off the assembly line in 2013. The manufacturing plant was located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA.

The model code C6 indicates that this is the sixth generation of the Corvette (short for "Corvette Generation 6"). Internally, Chevrolet used designations like Y-body (the shared platform for the Corvette since 1997), but among enthusiasts, the C6 designation became widely accepted.

 

Model Overview

Design and Body

The Corvette C6 had more compact dimensions compared to the C5, but its wheelbase was increased, improving high-speed stability. For the first time in years, the Corvette did not feature pop-up headlights (which were present on the C5), as the C6 engineers opted for fixed xenon headlights instead.

The body became stiffer thanks to the use of an aluminum frame (replacing the steel frame on base C5 models), while the roof and doors were made of composite materials. Available body styles included:

  • Coupe (2 doors) – with a fixed roof or a removable panel (Targa top).
  • Convertible – with a soft folding top.
  • Z06 (2006–2013) – a lightweight version with an aluminum body and a more powerful engine.
  • ZR1 (2009–2013) – the top-tier model with a supercharged engine and carbon fiber body elements.

Depending on the production year, mounting points may vary slightly.

How to Remove the Front Bumper

  1. Open the hood.
  2. Under the hood, unscrew the four bolts securing the upper part of the front bumper (fastened from the engine compartment side).
  3. From underneath the car, unscrew the eleven bolts (fastened from bottom to top) securing the lower part.
  4. Turn the wheels left or right, depending on which side you will disassemble first.
  5. In the wheel arches, remove the clips securing the fender liners (front part).
  6. Behind the fender liners, unscrew two nuts on each side (fastened from bottom to top), which secure the sides to the fenders.
  7. Release the sides from the studs on the fenders (pull downward).
  8. Release the clips under the hood (pull upward).
  9. Disconnect the turn signal and fog light wiring harnesses.
  10. With an assistant, pull the bumper forward (be careful with the upper part to avoid damaging the bumper against the hood).

Chevrolet Corvette C6 (2004-2013) Front Bumper Mounting Locations

Chevrolet Corvette C6 Front Bumper Mounting Diagram (2004-2013)

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

⇒Useful tips on how to remove the bumper and not break anything.⇐

  1. Open the trunk lid.
  2. Unscrew the six bolts (fastened from top to bottom) securing the upper part of the rear bumper.
  3. From underneath the car, unscrew the ten bolts (fastened from bottom to top) securing the lower part.
  4. Remove the license plate.
  5. Behind the license plate, unscrew two bolts.
  6. Unscrew one bolt on each side and remove the rear taillights (closest to the fenders).
  7. Through the taillight openings, unscrew two bolts on each side securing the bumper to the fenders.
  8. Remove the clips and unscrew the bolts in the wheel arches, then release the rear part of the fender liners.
  9. Behind the fender liners, unscrew one bolt and two nuts on each side securing the bumper to the fenders.
  10. Release the upper clips (pull upward).
  11. With an assistant, slide the bumper backward off its guides (ensure no wires are snagged).
  12. Disconnect the wiring harnesses for the electrical components.

Chevrolet Corvette C6 (2004-2013) rear bumper mounting locations

Chevrolet Corvette C6 Rear Bumper Mounting Diagram (2004-2013)

Engines and Transmission

The base C6 was equipped with a 6.0L V8 LS2 (400 HP, 542 Nm), later replaced in 2008 by a 6.2L LS3 (430–436 HP). Transmission options included:

  • 6-speed manual Tremec T56 (later TR6060)
  • 6-speed automatic 6L80 (from 2006)

Special attention should be given to the performance variants:

  • Z06 (2006–2013) – 7.0L naturally aspirated V8 LS7 (505 HP, 637 Nm), titanium connecting rods, dry-sump lubrication.
  • ZR1 (2009–2013) – 6.2L supercharged V8 LS9 (638 HP, 819 Nm), carbon fiber hood and brakes.

Chassis and Handling

The C6 featured a new suspension with optional Magnetic Ride Control dampers, significantly improving comfort and handling. The Z06 had an aluminum frame and wider tires, while the ZR1 came with carbon-ceramic brakes.

 

Interesting Facts About the Corvette C6

  • The first Corvette with Bluetooth (from 2009) – prior to this, even premium versions lacked high-tech features.
  • The fastest production Corvette at launch – the ZR1 reached 330 km/h (electronically limited).
  • The dedicated race version, C6.R, competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and ALMS, winning multiple championships.
  • The last Corvette with a "traditional" layout – front-engine, rear-wheel drive (the C7 introduced new technologies).
  • In 2012, a limited "Final Edition" 427 Convertible was released, featuring the Z06’s LS7 engine in a convertible body.

 

Conclusion

The Chevrolet Corvette C6 is a significant chapter in the history of American sports cars. It combined classic design with modern technology, offering impressive performance at a relatively accessible price. Today, the C6 remains popular among collectors and tuning enthusiasts, with the Z06 and ZR1 considered some of the best sports cars of their era.