Plastic Bumpers on 1989 325iC

[Joey Link]

For some reason either my search skills took a vacation today or a thread on this topic doesn't exist. I can't imagine the latter, but I've been searching for an hour and a half. In case anyone else is looking for this, I'm going to go ahead and say convertible, cabby, and cabriolet so there's a better chance of them finding it with the search.

Anyways, 1989 325iC. The front valance bolted up fine and the front bumper will too, as soon as the connections are changed. What did those of you who did this swap do about the turn signals? Hack the harness or something cleaner?

The rear bumper is the one that I really need to know about. When it's bolted up, it looks to be a fair amount too long and sticks past the wheel well. I've heard it's 'common knowledge' as to how to modify them so they fit properly (supposedly without any cutting and/or bodywork) but I can't for the life of me find the information.

It'd also be nice if someone could point me toward a write up regarding welding the rear valence to the 325iC to make it look like a late model sedan. Thanks guys!

[Jand3rson]

For the valance attachment, start here and go forward. First time either of us had ever attempted something like this, so you might be able to improve on it. Good luck!

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=75117&highlight=project+facelift&page=19

[Joey Link]

Ah you're the one! I knew someone did it before and posted a detailed write-up. Thanks Josh ;)

[OrganicMechanic]

good luck--on a cabbie you should have little issue with fitment.

[Stevie30]

What did those of you who did this swap do about the turn signals? Hack the harness or something cleaner?

Splice, solder and heat shrink tubing insulation.

[Joey Link]

Excellent, that's what I figured. How about fitting the rear? Am I using the wrong shocks or something? I've heard I need custom brackets to mount the bumper to the sides of the unibody?

[Stevie30]

Joey, when you open the r3v website the black screen appears. Click on "tech" and there is an article on plastic bumper retrofit on older e30s. I fastened mine the same way he did but did not cut the bumper or plastic trim. I did not use the rear sliders as they will not work with the '89 cabrio. I did use a Dremel Tool to contour the top of the bumper to match the curvature of the wheel-well flare. As you pull the rear bumper into place you will see where you need to trim. Be very careful when trimming and you will only need a small amount of touch up paint (if your bumpers are the same color) for a perfect looking job. As for the late model rear valence, I chose to leave mine as is. Check out the results in my picture gallery. Well, my sig pic too.

[VacMan]

You don't have to cut the rear bumpers on a cabrio. They all have the high arches. Hone your search skills, I did a writeup of how to install plastic bumpers on a pre-facelift cabrio about a year ago.

Tim

BTW, you also have to cut the tow hooks on the front of a cabrio to get the valence to fit, so prepare for that.

[VacMan]

Here you go. I searched "cabrio rear bumper." It took me about 10 seconds. :D

Tim

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=107729&highlight=cabrio+rear+bumper

[Joey Link]

Here you go. I searched "cabrio rear bumper." It took me about 10 seconds. :D

Tim

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...io+rear+bumper

I knew my search skills were retarded yesterday! Thank you.

The front is all buttoned up, I just need to get the rear done.