yet another custom bumper thread Options

[BloodyStupidDave...]

Given the interest in Malpaso's bodywork thread, I thought I'd share some pictures of my work in progress.

This project was inspired by two threads last year, doGGy / Marchius's front bumper project and another project whose details I can't currently find. It was from the summer 2007 and had pictures of a gt4 grille being cut into an aftermarket (vader I think) bumper.

I think that I started my project before Malpaso started his (I started in August I think), but I've been doing the work myself during the weekends (without a heated workshop) plus this is the first time I've tried any bodywork mods on this scale so my progress has been much slower.

Like Malpaso, I used a damaged GT4 bumper and plastic welded it to the st202 bumper. One thing that Malpaso didn't mention was that the two bumpers are made from different plastics. The GT4 bumper is much more rubbery.

I decided to be a bit more adventurous than just doing the grille. I deleted the st202 indicators (turn signals) and relocated that functionality into the JDM headlights and made the side ducts larger as discussed in this thread.

I found it really hard to judge just how big to make the side ducts. When looking at it on the actual bumper, the way I drew them in the above thread just looked too over-the-top. I think I've got it looking about right on car.

There is still some work to do. It still needs final coats of paint, clearcoat and buffing. The ghetto upper grille is temporary - I should have the proper one on Monday with luck. There is a little repair work to be done on the mid grille, plus I need to finish modding the poly impact absorber so that the mid grille isn't purely decorative. And I have yet to manufacture the grilles for the side ducts.

[punkuup5150]

how did you do the blinkers in the headlights i was thinking of this also for my c one front and just filling in the holes or putting more mesh there but would this be possible to do to a usdm set of head lights and do u have pictures of how u have everythign held in place id really like to find out how u did this

[BloodyStupidDave...]

Thanks for all the comments.

how did you do the blinkers in the headlights i was thinking of this also for my c one front and just filling in the holes or putting more mesh there but would this be possible to do to a usdm set of head lights and do u have pictures of how u have everythign held in place id really like to find out how u did this

The JDM headlights have a separate parking lights beam. I simply used a dremel to carefully open up the hole to take a 3057 bulb and holder. 3057 bulbs are generally not used in UK models but are very common in JDM models. They are easy to acquire in most markets including the UK and the US.

If you take your time, you can open up the hole to take the new bulb holder and if you make the hole the right shape, the holder will clip in place and hold without the need for additional restraints.

3057 is a dual filament wedge bulb where the dim filament meets the UK and US requirements for a parking light and the bright filament meets the requirements for a turn signal (indicator). Alternatively, one could drill an additional hole in the high beam lamp (I believe the JDM non-clear high beam comes from the factory with the required hole), move the parking lamp function there and use the low beam parking lamp hole for the turn function. You might have problems finding a bulb that is bright enough withou scorching its holder, though.

I'm sorry I don't have any pictures at the moment. I will take some more pictures next time I remove the bumper.

looks alright i guess.

I'll take some more pictures when everything is finished. And I'll make sure the car is clean

id be interested in those headlight covers... from looking, doesnt look like they are fitted too tightly to the low beams and possibly could wiggle a bit.

The little black clips wedge between the headlight and the rubber and are then held in place with self-tapping screws. I never noticed that the headlights have places for the screws to screw into until I got the covers. Everything is very firm and secure but the lowbeam covers do seem a little small to me. It would have been better to have added another 5mm around the edge. But they certainly look the part.

I picked up the proper grille during the week and finally got a chance to fit it today. Looks much better now. Next: Sort out the side grilles and bumper/bonnet alignment.


This post has been edited by BloodyStupidDavey: Feb 23, 2008 - 3:29 PM

[Sh0gunkid8721]

Thanks for all the comments.

how did you do the blinkers in the headlights i was thinking of this also for my c one front and just filling in the holes or putting more mesh there but would this be possible to do to a usdm set of head lights and do u have pictures of how u have everythign held in place id really like to find out how u did this

The JDM headlights have a separate parking lights beam. I simply used a dremel to carefully open up the hole to take a 3057 bulb and holder. 3057 bulbs are generally not used in UK models but are very common in JDM models. They are easy to acquire in most markets including the UK and the US.

If you take your time, you can open up the hole to take the new bulb holder and if you make the hole the right shape, the holder will clip in place and hold without the need for additional restraints.

3057 is a dual filament wedge bulb where the dim filament meets the UK and US requirements for a parking light and the bright filament meets the requirements for a turn signal (indicator). Alternatively, one could drill an additional hole in the high beam lamp (I believe the JDM non-clear high beam comes from the factory with the required hole), move the parking lamp function there and use the low beam parking lamp hole for the turn function. You might have problems finding a bulb that is bright enough withou scorching its holder, though.

I'm sorry I don't have any pictures at the moment. I will take some more pictures next time I remove the bumper.

looks alright i guess.

I'll take some more pictures when everything is finished. And I'll make sure the car is clean

id be interested in those headlight covers... from looking, doesnt look like they are fitted too tightly to the low beams and possibly could wiggle a bit.

The little black clips wedge between the headlight and the rubber and are then held in place with self-tapping screws. I never noticed that the headlights have places for the screws to screw into until I got the covers. Everything is very firm and secure but the lowbeam covers do seem a little small to me. It would have been better to have added another 5mm around the edge. But they certainly look the part.

I picked up the proper grille during the week and finally got a chance to fit it today. Looks much better now. Next: Sort out the side grilles and bumper/bonnet alignment.

curious to know how ur going to make all that flush.


im out