Greetings!

Earlier today while attempting the DCCV replacement I ran into a number of frustrating fastener problems. I'll not bore everyone with the details of those that I solved on my own. At a later date I will try to document some of the items that I found troublesome and odd on my experience.

The question is:
While trying to remove the front bumper valance panel to have better access to the radiator drain [it fastens under the bumper with a number of 6mm T30 torx head machine screws than tighten in to a spring nut/clip that hold the two pieces of "plastic" tight]
I found that I could not unfasten the clips. It seems that the spring nut has rusted with time and actually breaks a bit when forced so that it now just spins. I got by the drain problem but would like to pull the valance to have better access now and in the future.
Does anyone have an easy method to remove these blasted screws and clips?
I realize that I will probably destroy them in the process but the goal is not to damage the bumper or the valance.
The V8 is really tight when going at the DCCV valve without a hoist [probably tight with a hoist also] but I am making progress. I did find that the PO replaced the DCCV along the the RCCM and the the coolant top tank along with hoses at some time in the past. So I'm getting a little luckier.

 

Oh yes, Gerald. Those can be a real bear to fight. Replaced my headlight
fixtures and removed the front bumper to do it. Yes, those little clips can
be a a real issue when rusty or dirty. Found half of mine missing and rigged
with some sheet metal screw. Plastic where spring type clip went broken
away. It was then I found out my entire lower engine shield was missing.
Getting the bumper off and all that was now so hard. Getting the new
missing lower engine shield back up was a job. The requires guessing
where to push it onto the studs hanging down. You are on the wrong side
to see though. Took me 2 hours to get it up and all fasteners tightened.
Including that panel you had issues with it connects to.

So far no issues with what you had to replace, thank god.

Have a floor jack and made hardwood blocks for it to lift it, and made some
more for my jack stands. Had to to go back and forth a couple time on
each side slowly jacking it up and fixing the stand to get to the other side.
To get enough height to work under it. Was kind of scary at first where the
lift points are so far behind the engine on the frame. But it was solid.

Used this link to get the bumper off.
2005 front bumper skin removal w/pics FAQ - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

I was able to replace the DCCV without removing the bumper valance panel so I was able to bypass the clip/screw issue for now. It would have been easier to drain the radiator if I was able to remove the valance panel but I was able to get a funnel with a hose under the drain and drain it into a canister with little spillage. I still would like to remove/replace the torx screws and clips at a later date. I suppose that I could reach up into the void with a needle nose locking pliers, grab hold of the spinning nut/clip and back the screw off [probably would be easier with another set of hands]. I've had the belly pan off before so it was rather easy the 2nd time.

 

What a great link!

 

Post #17 by "bodyman" in the link: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ics-faq-28534/

 

Grinding the heads off sounds like a tedious job and if not constantly cooled could easily damage the panel and/or the bumper. I've buttoned it up for now and will deal with it at a later date should the need arise. I agree the link was rather well put together!