Anyone done a plastic bumper swap to early model?

[shameson]

If anyone has done the plastic bumper swap to an early model, or knows about the process, I'd like to know what it all involves. It's something I've considered doing, but want to know more first. Any input appreciated

[TheRealE30kidd]

Front is pretty easy. You just need the front plastic bumper, the bumper shocks, the bumper mounting brackets (the ones it slides on) and the front valance. In order to fit the front valance, you need to cut off your tow hooks with a cut off wheel. It's pretty easy.

The rear is not as easy. You will need the rear bumper, the shocks, the mounting brackets and a rear valance. The bumper shell itself needs to be shortened down and painted, and a rear valance needs to be welded on. I guess it isn't too bad if you know someone who does body work!

[2mAn]

^^^^ except the rear valence isnt necessary but highly recommended. My 84 has the plastic bumpers on it. I already have a late model rear valence cut and ready to weld on. It probably wont happen until the new year though

This thread is helpful, but searching is more helpful....

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=75117

[shameson]

This thread is helpful, but searching is more helpful....
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=75117

As expected, it seems like its a bit of an extensive project. I like my DBs but late bumpers look real clean. My car is still a work in progress so I'd have to finish lowering it to really an idea with where I want to go with this

[Farbin Kaiber]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/tech/bumper/bumper1.htm

I wonder how many people even know about the Tech section of www.R3vlimited.com?

[shameson]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/tech/bumper/bumper1.htm

I wonder how many people even know about the Tech section of www.R3vlimited.com?

It doesn't hurt to ask questions instead of just reading a write up.

I have explored that section though looking at the one on how to depress the diving boards

[Wardie]

I am personally just about to start painting my plastic bumpers. I need to also read up on everything about the rear valance. Should be interesting...

[goarmy]

I'd go plastic in the front and keep the metal in the rear, as I think they llok good polished or painted and depressed.

[spiDmang]

I'd go plastic in the front and keep the metal in the rear, as I think they llok good polished or painted and depressed.

That's just awkward...

[shameson]

That's just awkward...

Ya..haha

I'd go plastic in the front and keep the metal in the rear, as I think they llok good polished or painted and depressed.

I'm not sure exactly why that would even look good, but I have body matched diving boards anyway

[Red46]

I've done the swap (2man's car now)
The diy/tech section threads helped but sometimes you just have dig in and make it work.

[djjerme]

There was a great write up with pics shoing almost every single step somewhere on the interwebs. Can't remember where I saw it, but do a search for "E30 bumper swap how to", and I am sure you will find it..