I am stumped and frustrated... I recently disassembled my rear bumper and installed a new chrome face. It is all done except for the spare tire access tube. Without a doubt, the most difficult challenge of this entire project is the installation of a new retainer set like this I cannot get the dang thing on! Has anyone ever installed one of these? Is there a secret trick? Do I need to flatten out all the tabs and then bend them back once it is installed? I have spent hours and tried everything I can think of.

I would much appreciate any advice!

 

Never mind... I dug out the old OE retainer from the trash and fortunately it was not in too bad shape. So I cleaned it up and "popped" it on. Took 5 minutes. Anyone replacing their bumper I would recommend NOT buying one of these from the big aftermarket internet store that sells clips and fasteners. They should reimburse me for a half day of labor.