Need help with the plastic bumper install

[Ali//325i]

I have no clue how to mount the rear sliders. My car is an 1987 cabrio, built 87 sold 88, and it has the lower rear wheel arches. So it will mount...I just need pictures of how to mount the actual sliders to the rear apron. I am completely at a loss. Help me PLEASE!!!!

-Ali

[NC325iC]

ive heard its easier just to hold it up till it looks how you want it two and just use a screw to hold it in place

[Justin B]

That seems pretty hokey to me, using a screw right through the bumper under the trim. What happens if/when you need to remove the bumper? Risk breaking the trim pieces on the sides to get at that stupid screw? No thanks. I'm pretty much in the same situation right now and I'd rather fab up some slimmer sliding bracket that will fit in there, but I have no idea what kind of holes or shape I have to work with under the DB side trim, as I have not taken it apart yet. Does anybody have any actual pictures of their solution? I'd really appreciate it.

[talltorontoguy]

I did exactly that. Put a screw under the trim with a flat washer. Put a speed clip on an existing hole near the fender lip. Screwed the screw into speed clip. Intalled molding. Worked fine for me. Taking the moldings off the bumper isn't that hard if you're careful and it's not like you remove your bumpers frequently.

Rod

[VacMan]

I just finished my bumper swap this past weekend. I plan on doing a writeup since a cabrio-specific one isn't available. I used M8 bolts, nylon spacers and and nylock nuts through the hole closest to the tire.

I had to drill one hole in the bumper under the trim, but with the washers and bolt I used there is no movement at all. I'd bet someone could stand on that corner without it pulling out.

[Justin B]

It wont be for a little while that I can actually officially install them since they have yet to be painted, but I was sort of looking forward to mocking them up, maybe even today before I give them to a bodyshop to spray. I'm trying to get it to bimmerfest with plastics so realistically I am really running out of time.

I guess that's how I'm going to have to go, but if you have any pictures of where and what it looks like that'd be great. Even though I'll have my plastics on pretty soon, a cabrio specific write up would be awesome. It's one of those cars that can take the plastics without cutting, but some people forget that there is some "custom" work involved.

[Ali//325i]

lol NOW you guys help me haha. Its cool I brought the car to a shop to do it 50 bucks or so and my parents paid for it cuz i was killing myself trying to finish it. But I figured out how I would do it, if i was to do it again. I would mount a plate to the sliders, with screws, then I would weld that plate to another LARGER plate, using like 1/4" space bar between them. And just slide the bumper into place, mark the plate using the hole through the trunk, then drill and put a screw there.

it would kinda look like a H. but a little offset. I will have pics of the car today. Its finally running after oh i ono 6months haha.

-Ali

[Kwaaahhh]

Glad I found this thread, started mocking up my plastic bumper today and was so freakin confused. Thought I bought a wrong bumper. LOL. So I'm dealing with the same problem. The shocks mount fine. But the plastic bumper bracket on each side, not sure what to do with them? Are you guys using the plastic brackets or mounting the bumper a different way? Where do I mount the brackets? Should I bolt in the shocks first and from there mount the sides? Need to drill new wholes? Also since my car is at the shop, I the guys plug up the holes where the db plastics were mounted. Not going to risk any water into my trunk. :up:

[Kwaaahhh]

Anyone? Need some advice before I head out to the shop tomorrow. Thanks!

[VacMan]

You don't use the sliders. Here's a quick snapshot of the steps I used. I'd recommend getting 2 M8 bolts, 2 Nylok nuts, proper washers and some 1/2" nylon spacers. Sorry, no pics of the process but I will grab a couple of my completed assembly when I make the writeup.

Mount the bumper loosely (without trim) on the mounted shocks and then line the bumper up where you want it.

Clamp it or find a helper with steady hands.

Find the hole in the fender that was used for the diving board surround, the one that you accessed from the wheel well.

Double check your bumper alignment.

Drill a hole from the wheel well out through the bumper.

Open up the hole to fit the M8 bolts you bought.

Place washers on bolt and insert bolt from outside so nut will be in the wheel well.

Place 1/2 nylon spacer between bumper and fender so the bolt doesn't rip out the bumper when you tighten it.

Place washer on in wheel well, then the Nylok nut on the backside and snug the whole thing up.

Repeat on the other side, then go back and tighten everything permanently.

Snap on new trim. It will cover the bolts.

Go drink a beer and admire your new plastic rear end.

Normally you would use the 3mm hex head screws to hold the trim on the very edges, but since you can't access it I just left them off. There hasn't been an issue so far.

Good luck,

Tim

[Kwaaahhh]

Thanks for the info Tim! Yeah I figure without the the slider it fits more flush. So only one bolt for each side than, huh? Man I'm trying to get a visual of what you're explaining, but guess I'll play around with it when I head to the shop. Did you pick up the bolts, nuts, and washer at home depot or auto store? :up:

[VacMan]

I got mine at Lowes. It's pretty self explanatory once you get in there. Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions.

Tim

[Kwaaahhh]

Hey Tim, got the bumper mounted today. Took your tips/directions and it worked out great! I was going to take some pics so you can use it for your write up, but forgot the camera. I'll take some tomorrow. Also I didn't get the m8 bolts but 5/16 work as well. :up: Thanks again!

Khoa

[fporro]

I don't know, but I used the sliders on both my cabs.

Installed to bumpers, mock em up and drill, eye it and should be fine.

why is it again that you guys are not using the brackets ???

[Kwaaahhh]

Mine sits flush to the body without the sliders. :up:

Also wanted to ask you guys, for my front, I will need to cut off the tow hooks to mount the valence right? Any other modifications i need to do? Thanks!