How to properly restore an unused bumper

[BrandAidDesignG35]

In the world of auto tuning, one will have a desire to upgrade the appearance of their vehicle. The nice option of the first Gen G35 sedan, is the compatability with the body of the more sexy 05-06 sedan.

The first Gen sedan is a victim of the black plastic lower guards, if you don't paint them, they look like crap. I think I've been putting this off because I have a black car, and the plastic is barely noticeable. If it was white, I would've done this long ago.

By buying the 05 bumper cover, you are able to update the body lines for a sportier appearance. One other nice option to consider would be the upgrade of the tailights, which incorporate the trademark Skyline/G35 dual circular led rings.

So, let's begin with finding a used bumper, I found this on ebay for around $80. It was the diamound graphite, so it will need to be prepped for paint before it can be installed on my obsidian black G.

I took some pictures of the obvious issues that will need to be tackled in order to do this right. The previous owner had the mudflaps, so there was some of the adhesive foam left to remove. similarly, I've removed the G35 decals, and there was some gunk there as well. as you can see in the pics.I started sanding everything down smoothly with some 180, as there was a lot of crap to clean up. I also went the extra mile and sanded down the ridge that goes above the muffler tip and across the bottom of the bumper, it is not really noticeable, but I want this done to perfection, for the ultimate DIY quality. This is the small hole for the trunk button, only on the 05-06 models... so this will have to be filled with some bondo, and repeatedly sanded and smoothed.

So, here's where I left off, it's actually sanded now, but it was getting dark so I'll get some more pics soon, more on this to come guys, JUST HOLD ON!!!!


Modified by BrandAidDesignG35 at 5:47 AM 3/23/2009

[Poyzinous]

Excellent article! I've been wondering what to do with my unused bumper. I was so dumb. I can't believe I went through the trouble of installing in on my car shortly after aquiring it. I should have just tossed it above my probably inoperative refrigerator in the garage. I'm going to keep that in mind when I buy my supercharger and just properly store it on top of an empty shoe box. You've changed my life. Thanks Grant. Now I know how to store my unused posessions. Do you fish? whats with that 1940's ish saw? is that a radio flyer sled?

[BrandAidDesignG35]

Yeah, I feel stupid now...

thanks... It's a work in progress Poyzinous I plan to make this a wonderful thread... eventually.

I shark fish, Me and Dad get some big blue sharks in the summer, It's a 90's table saw, and I don't know what else is there, it's in my rent's garage at the time, it's now moved with me to my new shed

[Poyzinous]

Yea i like to tease every one

[BrandAidDesignG35]

Would we be able to update the title to help people find this information easier, or more useful? My bad

[G_whizz]

Would we be able to update the title to help people find this information easier, or more useful? My bad

Title updated... hows it coming?

[tollboothwilley]

Nice. Look forward to seeing the finished product. What are you going to be painting this with?

[BrandAidDesignG35]

I will get my paint matched professionally and load up the gun. I need to buy a compressor, but I'm looking forward to using my paint gun for the first time. I'm going to post up the pics when I get the body work and everything done, it already looks bad, I can't wait to see it mounted, which is going to be a PITA

Been super busy, I'm going to mess around tonight

[4drmadness]

hmmm this seems like a good idea. what are the differences between the 04 and the 05 bumpers other than the 04 have a plastic lip, and the 05 have that whole?