front bumper removal?
 

slightly worried about doing this without some input. any help would be appreciated.

Yes, I would like to know this as well...

It's not bad at all, just follow the instructions here: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8788

I just took off my bumper using the instructions linked above. My only advice is to ignore what he said about just using force to remove the sidemarkers. There are 3 clips (only 2 accessible) holding it in. It helps if you use a small flat-tipped screwdriver to depress the lower clip, while pulling on the bottom of the sidemarker. When that is free, you'll have to insert the screwdriver into one of the top holes to depress that clip as well, while pulling towards the top of the sidemarker.

I tried using brute force, but was afraid that I would break something. Using a screwdriver to press in these clips made things much easier.

Just did this over the weekend and the sidemarker was the only part that worried me at first. Once you get the trick, it's so easy. I only turned the wheels one direction and had plenty of room on each side. A stubby screwdriver helps with clearance.

Just insert the screwdriver through the round hole in the metal bracket and push the tip forward and to the outside. POP.