Rear bumperette delete...
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Rear bumperette delete...
I had my rear bumper off for a spark plug change and had recently seen powdrhound's post on a bumperette delete kit that isn't available yet, decided to give it a try just doing it myself.
This was really just a prototype, see how it might look. Everything is easily reversible if I decide to put it back to stock...
Before starting the cosmetic trim piece, take care of the functional part:
So now the problem is the holes in the bumper where the old bumperettes protruded... One option is to purchase a euro or GT bumper. $1,000+, plus shipping, plus paint. No go for me...
I decided to use 1/8" ABS plastic. Not being terribly patient, I wanted to source it locally. Local plastics distributor had a whole sheet for $50, so I guess I have ABS plastic sheet for every other project I might do this lifetime... The actual size I needed for my blank was 24"x7.5", so I theoretically could go through 23 prototypes and still have enough material for my final panel... If anyone is local, i'd be glad to hook you up with a blank for your own project, but have zero interest in mailing anything.
Here are the steps I took:
For now, this is prototype 1. Pretty happy with how it came out, very good, perhaps not perfect. Right now I just have the pebble finish ABS plastic exposed. Alternately, you could finish the smooth side, prime, and paint to match. I also am considering using 3M 1080 carbon-fiber look vinyl to wrap the ABS plastic. The stuff looks pretty good, very close to real carbon fiber. I could of course by a sheet of carbon fiber, but it's about $1,000 a 4'x8' sheet instead of $50. If I could find a 8"x24" of CF at a reasonable price, might do that as well.
This was really just a prototype, see how it might look. Everything is easily reversible if I decide to put it back to stock...
Before starting the cosmetic trim piece, take care of the functional part:
- Remove rear bumper, including bumperettes.
- Remove inner bumper (two bolts).
- Drill out six rivets and remove bumperette hangers.
- Re-Install inner bumper & bumper.
So now the problem is the holes in the bumper where the old bumperettes protruded... One option is to purchase a euro or GT bumper. $1,000+, plus shipping, plus paint. No go for me...
I decided to use 1/8" ABS plastic. Not being terribly patient, I wanted to source it locally. Local plastics distributor had a whole sheet for $50, so I guess I have ABS plastic sheet for every other project I might do this lifetime... The actual size I needed for my blank was 24"x7.5", so I theoretically could go through 23 prototypes and still have enough material for my final panel... If anyone is local, i'd be glad to hook you up with a blank for your own project, but have zero interest in mailing anything.
Here are the steps I took:
- (Test fit continuously throughout the process)
- Template with a piece of posterboard.
- Cut blank (24"x7.5") from sheet. I used the 'score and snap' method for every cut... Score with a sharp utility knife, bend and snap. Pliers for bending the small pieces.
- Transfer template to blank, cut out blank to shape.
- Drill a few holes to allow for the license plate mounting screws and the rear tow hitch. I just eyeballed these as they will be covered with the plate, but I should have measured just to keep my OCD in check.
- Smooth out any abrupt cuts with a small tabletop belt sander and a sanding block.
- Panel is held in place being sandwiched between the bumper and the license plate holder, but I also used some 3M trim tape to hold it in position without the license plate and to prevent any rattling/vibration.
For now, this is prototype 1. Pretty happy with how it came out, very good, perhaps not perfect. Right now I just have the pebble finish ABS plastic exposed. Alternately, you could finish the smooth side, prime, and paint to match. I also am considering using 3M 1080 carbon-fiber look vinyl to wrap the ABS plastic. The stuff looks pretty good, very close to real carbon fiber. I could of course by a sheet of carbon fiber, but it's about $1,000 a 4'x8' sheet instead of $50. If I could find a 8"x24" of CF at a reasonable price, might do that as well.
#2
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Forgot to post a picture of the inner bumper with the hangers removed, and a second pic with the hangers still installed.
#3
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Before/After:
#4
Rennlist Member
Looks good!
#5
Burning Brakes
Looks pretty good. I think if you paint it it will be a good alternative to having the holes filled in by a body shop.
#6
Looks good! I can cover it in carbon if you want. Send me a message.
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#8
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Yeah, that's the risk... Really the only thing those bumperette's are going to potentially save is the rear bumper skin, which almost always gets trashed anyway...
#11
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
#12
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
When the car left the showroom almost 17 yrs ago she went to my body shop........several panels painted (inc. all black lower pieces)......and the rear bumper was on the list.