Buy Buick Century Bumper Trim

Overview

Quick Take

The Buick Century's bumper trim-also called the bumper molding, accent strip, or garnish-runs along the front and rear bumper covers of 1997-2005 sixth-generation sedans. It hides small gaps, adds style, shields paint from parking-lot taps, and can even hold sensors or chrome inserts. Because the trim is made of flexible ABS plastic and snaps into the W-body bumper fascia with clips or double-sided tape, it is a straightforward, low-cost item to replace or refresh DIY.

Part Basics

What It Does

• Decorative strip that finishes the bumper edge and lines up with the beltline molding for a clean look (Wikipedia)
• Provides a sacrificial layer so minor scuffs hit the trim, not the painted cover (Wikipedia)
• Some higher trims used narrow chrome inserts for a premium touch (Wikipedia)

Fitment Guide

Years & Positions

• Fits sixth-generation Buick Century sedans built from December 1996 to October 2004 (1997-2005 model years)
• Front and rear pieces differ; left and right sides mirror each other
• Shares overall bumper shape with same-era Buick Regal, but trim clip spacing differs-do not interchange

Materials & Finish

Construction

• Injection-molded ABS plastic: light, impact-resistant, easy to paint (Xometry)
• Factory finishes were body-color paint or textured charcoal; some Limited trims added thin chrome film (Wikipedia)
• Inside surface has molded "Christmas-tree" studs that lock into square bumper slots or accepts 3 M™ acrylic-foam tape for later service replacements (3M, 3M)

Installation Steps

Quick DIY Outline

1. Raise front edge on ramps; turn wheels outward for clearance.
2. Pop out plastic push-pins in the wheel-liner edge, then pull the liner back.
3. With a plastic trim tool, pry the old molding straight outward to free each clip-start at one end to avoid twisting.
4. If secured by tape, warm the strip with a heat gun and peel steadily; remove residue with isopropyl alcohol (Buick Forums, Turbo Buick Forum)
5. Test-fit the new trim dry.
6. For taped parts, clean the bumper with 50/50 IPA-water, let dry, apply fresh 3 M™ Super Strength Molding Tape, press firmly for 30 seconds (3M, 3M)
7. Re-install wheel-liner pins.

Care & Maintenance

Keep It Looking New

• Wash with mild car-wash soap; avoid petroleum solvents that dull ABS (Xometry)
• Apply a UV-protectant trim dressing every three months to slow fading (Car Care Hacks)
• Light scuffs polish out with plastic-safe compound; deep gouges require spot-fill and paint.
• Over-waxing the surrounding bumper can haze the adjacent trim; wipe excess wax from edges (Car Care Hacks)

Common Issues

What Goes Wrong

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Safety & Legal

Bumper Rules

• U.S. bumper standard (49 CFR Part 581) tests at 1.5-2.5 mph; trim must not separate or warp after impact (NHTSA)
• Loose or missing trim can expose sharp clip holes-repair promptly.
• Do not cover parking-assist sensors; keep any chrome accent thin to avoid radar interference

Paint & Matching

Color Tips

• Buick placed the Service-Parts-ID (SPID) label in the Century's glove box; the "WAxxxx" code gives the correct bumper-trim paint (Wikipedia)
• Flex-additive is required when refinishing plastic so paint does not crack (Turbo Buick Forum)
• Light sanding (400-grit), plastic adhesion promoter, base-coat, and 2-k clear yield OEM-like durability.

DIY Tips

Extra Tricks

• Heat-gun glaze: a careful pass can re-darken faded black trim temporarily, but follow with UV sealant to hold the color
• Use painter's tape above and below the strip when pulling old adhesive to protect surrounding paint (Buick Forums)
• Film a short clip of each step-future you will thank present you during re-assembly (YouTube)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q & A Library

Q: What years of Buick Century use the same bumper molding?
A: All North-American sedans from model years 1997 through 2005 share identical trim profiles (Wikipedia)

Q: Is the trim just cosmetic, or does it protect the car?
A: It is mainly cosmetic but absorbs light scrapes so the painted bumper underneath stays undamaged (Wikipedia)

Q: Can I reuse the factory clips?
A: Most clips are barbed plastic; once they lose tension you should install fresh ones or high-bond tape for reliability (3M)

Q: How strong is double-sided automotive tape?
A: Quality acrylic-foam tape holds from -40 °F up to 250 °F and resists car-wash chemicals when applied to a clean surface (3M)

Q: My trim keeps turning gray again after polishing-why?
A: Sunlight breaks down the plastic surface; without a UV sealant the chalky layer returns in days (Turbo Buick Forum)

Q: Do I need to remove the whole bumper to change the strip?
A: No; on the Century you simply peel the wheel-liner back and pop the molding free-no bumper removal required (Buick Forums)

Q: Will new trim affect parking sensors or automatic braking equipment?
A: As long as the strip is plastic and flush, sensors work fine; regulations only require that it not detach during the 2.5 mph bumper test (NHTSA)

Q: Can I add chrome-look overlay pieces?
A: Yes-thin ABS chrome overlays stick on easily, but ensure they do not cover sensor windows or exceed local glare rules (3M)

Q: What's the quickest way to get old tape off the bumper?
A: Warm it gently with a heat gun, lift an edge with fishing line, then roll remaining adhesive off with your thumb and alcohol (YouTube)

Q: Why did my freshly painted trim crack?
A: Standard paint can't flex; always have the shop mix in a flex-agent or choose bumper-specific paint (Turbo Buick Forum)

Q: Is ABS better than polyurethane for bumper garnish strips?
A: ABS is cheaper and easier to paint; polyurethane is tougher against curb hits, but harder to refinish (Xometry)