Front bumper replacement

[rbgosling]

A farm track turned out to be even rougher that I had anticipated - Lilith's front spoiler has suffered the consequences:



Since both bumper and spoiler were looking in a bit of a sorry state anyway, I've ordered new parts from SJ Sports Cars, I'll get 'em properly painted and then fit them. My simple question is - Any tips, tricks, or things that would be useful for me to know before I get in to the removal/replacement job?

As far as I can tell, the spoiler seems to fit to the bumper in a pretty basic way with some rivets, plus a bolt at each end. I'll probably drill some new holes and re-attach the existing spoiler that way for now, since it'll apparently be 3-4 weeks before the new parts are with me (need to be made to order), and longer by the time I've got them painted and ready to fit.

[rbgosling]

N.B. I already know my indicators are the wrong way around, I'll take advantage of this work to fix that!!

[Simpatico]

They look better that way round IMHO!

[muphy]

Perhaps goes without saying Richard but I will anyway. The damaged parts could be repaired and reused with a wee bit of effort (looking at picture). Steve Reid just outside Stoney did a first class repair and paint job on my front bumper when a wall jumped out and accosted me.

Mark

[rbgosling]

Mark - dare I ask how much you spent? (PM if you'd rather not broadcast it!)

The new bumper and spoiler (incl. delivery and VAT) will be £350, probably another £100-£150 to paint, so looking at approaching £500 for an all-new set-up. If your work was significantly less, I might well consider that...

[muphy]

ISTR I paid about £350 for the plastic to be repaired and painted, it took a while to get the paint match & my damage was perhaps not as severe, I had taken a big chunk of the corner of the plastic out and deformed the bumper a bit but none of the mounts were damaged.

I suspect that a couple of trips here to get the damage inspected and then repaired etc you will be in the same amount of dosh anyway. Perhaps continue with your plan and then offer the parts to this cadre I'm sure someone will have them and you will have recouped some of the cost. Or, keep them for a rainy day

M

[Phantasm]

Can you (or anyone) tell me how the entire front bumper/spoiler/airdam etc. comes off (let's assume it's not broken to start with). I am getting my Excel repainted later this year and the shop wants me to remove everything ahead of time - to save on the total cost to me. Which I'm happy to do.
In particular, I'm not finding those bots you referred to on the outside edges?
Thanks.

[AndyC]

I think it's:
Side/indicator lamps disconnect wires in headlamp recess.
Side / indicator lamp assembly, nuts in headlamp recesses, think you need to access bolt head via the lamp body as well.
Screws/ rivets securing spoiler, in wheel-arch.
Bolt hidden behind number plate.
Bolts from the headlamp recesses.
Under-tray screws from beneath car where it fixes to spoiler.

[MrCoolA]

Try a trial fix before you commit to painting as I replaced my back in 2006 with the same supplier and the fit was crap on the sides. You might be better of getting a fibreglass repair.

[Lee1]

Ask abou,t for a decent ,recommend body shop,local to yourself 1st. Repair and paint the original set,the best bumpers always go on the cars,not so good spares ,stock etc,obviously manufacturer's standerds differ etc. The front looks good to me,no reason that wouldn't go again,I've repaired a lot worse, you will probably be looking around £350/£500,ALL IN. Ask them if they can add, some flexible adative to the laquar (Helps with,stone chips,small scuffs etc.

[rbgosling]

I think Andy's got it, as best as I can remember. I recall the bolts at the sides being damned awkward to reach!

Yours may be different, as different year Excels had a different set-up. Some had a combined bumper and lower valance, my 1990 SE has those as two separate parts.