Hi all, I bought an SSV and it came with the factory tow bar kit (Heavy duty 2100kgs). I wasn't a fan of so it decided to remove the bumper to see whats behind there.
BUMPER: Taking off the bumper was very easy. Its only held by 2x screws that is located on the top edges of the bumper (near the wheel arch).You also need to get under the car and take off the clips that are attached to the rear defuser (Black plastic thing in the middle of the bumper). From memory there are about 6 plastic clips there that can be removed using a flat head screw driver. The rest of the rear bar are held by clips that pops of as you pull the bumper off the body of the car. (Just don't force it, cos you might snap them).
REVERSE SENSOR: wiring and the sensor are obviously attached to the bumper, but the can easily be unplugged. Just when talking the bumper off, don't pull too hard cos you might rip the wires for the reverse sensor.
TOW BAR: Now that I have taken off the rear bumper, I noticed a big silver metal bar across the entire rear of the car (impact bar) it was attached to actual tow bar (One piece). After further examination, I noticed that its bolted from the top. To access this bolts u need to go to your boot and remove the carpet. You can miss it. There are 2x bolts on each side. All you need to do is unbolt them and the entire tow bar comes off. BUT in saying that, you will also lose the impact bar, so what you need is to buy a replacement brackets from Holden/wreckers from standard VE that is not fitted with tow bar, so you can re install the impact bar. U NEED IT!
REAR DEFUSER: Yes you will have a hole that don't look right. You can live with it or buy a new defuser for about $70-80. Heaps on ebay G8 style.
I decided to not to go ahead with removing the tow bar, cos i thought i might need it one day, but really not a fan of it. You can remove the ball tip (depends on what model the tow bar is)...mine just pops off (held by a pin.
Just for you info