[delthawk5]

I picked up my 2019 2SS about 3 weeks ago now. Coming from a German car I've been more paranoid about finish and fit than I probably need to be. So far nothing has been shockingly noticeable but I am wondering what other people's rear bumper fitment is like where the taillight and bumper panel meet. On my car, the gap widens the closer it gets to the taillight and I can pretty much see inside the chassis where the taillight meets. It looks worse on one side of the car than the other. Just trying to decide if this is worth adding to my checklist of things for the first dealer visit.

https://imgur.com/a/puDfbjp

On a side note, my armrest rattles when I put my arm on it? What gives?

[caSStro18]

Just looked at mine and it also has an uneven gap that gets a little wider towards the top. It's not quite as much as yours though according to the second picture. the first picture is pretty much what mine looks like. If you lift up slightly on the bumper it will close that gap. Seems like the clips that hold the rear fascia on don't keep it tight.

[JasonGofast]

I have this issue on mine as well. In fact I've seen this issue on a large amount of camaros. Even in random youtube videos where someone is showing off their car I'll notice it. It tends to get worse with heat. When it is cooler in the day I hardly notice the gap at all if it is there at all. Only one side too, mine is on the passenger side.

Also you might notice more rattles eventually. Either from the loud bass in the stereo or loose fitment around the dash. I've gotten used to the small imperfections in the car, but most are fixable.

[Bumbleboy92]

IIRC this was discussed a while back and it was determined it was designed to do so. Changes the gap length based on heat I believe

[arpad_m]

Bumbleboy92 nailed it, the plastic bumper expands and shrinks more intensely with temperature and can slightly separate itself from the quarter panel. Under 60-65 degrees, the gap is perfect on my car, while the closer it gets to 100 degrees, the wider the panel gap.

There is a slightly ghetto-ish fix described in a thread here, which involves removing the taillights and using zipties to force the center section of the bumper to accommodate heat expansion.

As to the armrest, it shouldn't rattle, that's a good candidate for your dealer visit.

How do you like the car so far, by the way?

[JasonGofast]

Living in Texas that gap is permanent most of the time lol

It certainly doesn't seem like that should be a thing. A random corner of your bumper(not even on both sides) starts coming a part when it is hot out. It sounds like an excuse for bad quality control. I don't see how this could fit some design.

[caSStro18]

Originally Posted by JasonGofast

Living in Texas that gap is permanent most of the time lol

It certainly doesn't seem like that should be a thing. A random corner of your bumper(not even on both sides) starts coming a part when it is hot out. It sounds like an excuse for bad quality control. I don't see how this could fit some design.

I agree. What about the front fascia? There's never a gap there. If it was for expansion and contraction, you'd think all of the plastic panels would have gaps where they meet up with the metal body. Seems a little strange to me.

[arpad_m]

Guys, it's called cost savings Kidding aside, it's a slightly sloppy design, the clips simply aren't tight and strong enough to hold the force of heat expansion. The front fascia is bolted down pretty hard on the sides, hence no such issues there.

[caSStro18]

TBH, it never really bothered me and I have slight OCD when it comes to things like that. As long as it doesn't rattle as I'm driving down the road or get wide enough to stick a finger through, I'm fine with it.

[shoe5163]

My 2017 has no gaps, in mid 90s for 2 weeks.

[delthawk5]

Thanks for the insight everyone. Sounds harmless for the time being. I rather the dealership not screw up my bumper after I had it ceramic coated. It's been well over 100F here in Tampa for a month now so the heat expansion does explain it.

Originally Posted by arpad_m

As to the armrest, it shouldn't rattle, that's a good candidate for your dealer visit.

How do you like the car so far, by the way?

I had my first experience with the Camaro when I rented one in 2017 and ripped it around the Pacific Northwest for 2 weeks. I said to myself there's a good chance I'd buy one someday because of that and here we are. Coming from a BMW 4 series Gran Coupe, this is my first American car. It does sacrifice some fit, finish, and ergonomics; as expected. On the other hand, I'm madly in love with the engine and the exhaust note (NPP). The A10 transmission has been a pleasant surprise coming from an 8ZF. The handling and grip is just superb. I think it's a true performance sports car that competes with the best of the best. Not sure why anyone would buy a Mustang instead.

[DC5]

The fitment of the rear bumper cover on my 2019 SS is similar to the OP's vehicle. What is most important to me is consistency, and the fitment of my rear bumper cover is consistent on both sides.

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by delthawk5

I had my first experience with the Camaro when I rented one in 2017 and ripped it around the Pacific Northwest for 2 weeks. I said to myself there's a good chance I'd buy one someday because of that and here we are. Coming from a BMW 4 series Gran Coupe, this is my first American car. It does sacrifice some fit, finish, and ergonomics; as expected. On the other hand, I'm madly in love with the engine and the exhaust note (NPP). The A10 transmission has been a pleasant surprise coming from an 8ZF. The handling and grip is just superb. I think it's a true performance sports car that competes with the best of the best. Not sure why anyone would buy a Mustang instead.

Thanks for the summary, keep enjoying that V8 bliss

[Azerlazer26]

Originally Posted by JasonGofast

I have this issue on mine as well. In fact I've seen this issue on a large amount of camaros. Even in random youtube videos where someone is showing off their car I'll notice it. It tends to get worse with heat. When it is cooler in the day I hardly notice the gap at all if it is there at all. Only one side too, mine is on the passenger side.

Also you might notice more rattles eventually. Either from the loud bass in the stereo or loose fitment around the dash. I've gotten used to the small imperfections in the car, but most are fixable.

+1 the reality is that these cars aren’t really the best “fit & finish” for the money. Where the value really shines is the performance we get for the dollar.