How to remove the rear "side bumpers" on a 91

[runderwo]

On my 91 explorer, I am trying to drill holes for a receiver hitch. There are two holes to be drilled from the bottom and two from the side.

For the bolts on the side, there is a piece of the bumper in the way of getting the drill in there. This piece is like a small chrome "side bumper", just behind the tire and below the rear quarter panel. How is this piece removed? There are two nuts and a screw. I removed the screw, but the nuts just spin with their studs when turned.

 

[little x]

The chrome piece can come off, but there is a body panel right behind it, from above. The only way to remove that is to cut it out. If you don't want to do that, perhaps a 90* Drill Chuck will let you get in there.

 

[runderwo]

Ah, I didn't realize it was just a veneer. Was trying to avoid buying a 90 degree drill. Thanks.

 

[little x]

You don't have to buy a whole new drill. Lowes sells a 90* adapter that will fit your drill for around $20. It is definitely a useful thing to have lying around.

 

[runderwo]

Is this what you're talking about?

http://www.lowes.com/pd_132-41401-1...__0__s?newSearch=true$Ntt=drill angle$y=0$x=0

I need something that will take a 1/2 inch drill bit.

That company also makes an interesting "swivel" drill attachment:
http://www.milescraft.com/drill/1300.html

 

[little x]

Something just like that, yes. Mine is made by the same company (Milescraft) and is called the "Drill90". It has a 3/8" chuck, so you can drill a 1/2 hole as long as you have a step-down drill bit. I couldn't find it online at Lowes, but I'm pretty sure they still carry it. Here is a pic:

 

[runderwo]

Thanks, very helpful.

 

[runderwo]

Bought the 90 attachment and a stubby drill bit for 3 bucks from a local tool discounter. Then I figured out that I didn't even need to drill new holes on the side. I just cut out a small piece of the right hand bumper mounting bracket. After I did that I was able to maneuver the hitch in such a way where I could use the existing holes on the side, so I only needed to drill 2 new holes on the bottom in the end. Four grade 10 bolts later, with nuts torqued to 65 foot pounds, I have a trailer hitch installed. Thanks a lot for your help!