smooth front bumper question - Focaljet

**ridindirtyzx3** · 05-11-2008, 06:48 PM

i have a spare front stock bumper sitting around, and i was thinking about filling in the indented parts (the part that looks like molding stuff) of the bumper and making it all smooth. i know i saw this done a while ago, but i cant seem to find any pictures anymore. does anyone have any pictures of this. i dont wanna go through all the work of doin it and getting it painted, and then not like it. any help would be great, thanks.

**Foci_Fosho** · 05-11-2008, 07:47 PM

No bondo.

Use Flex-weld, Duromix, SEM Bumper repair kits, or a Thermo-plastic such as plastic-weld.

You want to sand the bumper down with 200-400 grit. or Use a Heavy-grade 3M Scuff pad.

Apply the 2-part A/B Mix... with a putty wedge.
Sand.
Repeat
Sand
Repeat

do this until area is smooth.

Finally prime, sand, apply more stuff if needed, and repeat.

This was a 6 month Project from Start to finish, many hours of work, mostly 1-2 each weekend, 1 or 2 days a month... so it was slow moving.

If I did it again with the bumper in my garage, I could do it in about
~16-24 Hours of work.

The below was ~ 40-60 hours of work, just cause it was my 1st time doing such a project.... (~$180 in materials, paint, supplies.)

I was actually thinking of selling it -- We'll see....

Project Pics:

It's a Fun Project!
I'd do it again, if I had the time... Or if I was paid.. haha.

and I'd shave that license plate recess...

**ridindirtyzx3** · 05-11-2008, 08:14 PM

thanks alot, that looks much better. and thanks for the step-by-step how-to. i was thinking about using bondo before, so im glad you recommended a couple other products to use instead.

**Foci_Fosho** · 05-11-2008, 08:31 PM

Buy this stuff....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SEM-F...spagenameZWD1V

This is the stuff to use.
It may seem expensive, but 10oz's is exactly how much you need.
No less.... so buy two...

actually, Now that I think about it...
Perhaps 20 oz's may be needed.

(I got one or two of those, and about 6-8 of the smaller, 1 oz tiny-tubes)

**quest23** · 05-11-2008, 08:49 PM

wow...that looks .... awesome....very nice out come...i gots to do this too...

**ridindirtyzx3** · 05-11-2008, 10:39 PM

thanks alot for the help, i just started sanding it down to strip off the crappy paint thats already on the bumper. if anyone has or can find any pix of bumpers like this, can you post em, so i can see how some others turned out

**CheckMyVitals** · 05-11-2008, 11:41 PM

I would also HEAVILY recommend shaving the turns while you're at it.
I'm pretty sure someone on here found adhesive backed euro turn signals for the fender if you don't want to shell out for a euro fender. would look great IMO.

**SilverBullet18** · 05-12-2008, 12:21 AM

Is there anything else that you could use to fill it in thats a little cheaper? What about using expanding foam then fiberglass over that?

**CheckMyVitals** · 05-12-2008, 02:39 AM

you get what you pay for.

I honestly wouldn't stray too far from what FF has laid out. Not that I'm going to say FF is a bodywork god or anything, I just remember when he did this. The research has been done over and over on this.

FF, can you remember the guy that was fusing an Integra and Focus bumper together? From what I remember, this is pretty much the same stuff he was using.

**Random Select** · 05-12-2008, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverBullet18

Is there anything else that you could use to fill it in thats a little cheaper? What about using expanding foam then fiberglass over that?

Cheap
Good
Show Quality

Choose one.

**SidewayzS15** · 05-12-2008, 11:41 AM

What ever happened to that integra focus fusion did he ever finish it? That bumper looks great man, definetely a good improvement over stock! I think I like it better then most of the bumpers avalible to be honest

**quest23** · 05-12-2008, 10:34 PM

im gonna do this ...i think im gonna do away with the turn signals and maybe even get rid of all the lines on my car..like the ones on the fender...gonna go witha smooth all around look....

**misplacedfanatic** · 05-12-2008, 10:35 PM

i'm doing this as soon as my new bumper arrives- would ABS sludge work as well?

**CheckMyVitals** · 05-12-2008, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quest23

im gonna do this ...i think im gonna do away with the turn signals and maybe even get rid of all the lines on my car..like the ones on the fender...gonna go witha smooth all around look....

Pretty much Focus blasphemy if you shaved the fender lines

**ridindirtyzx3** · 05-13-2008, 10:27 PM

just a few hours ago i finished sanding the bumper, so this coming weekend ill start filling in the spots and sanding it down. and for filling in the lisence plate area, is it the same concept and i would just use a lot more of the filler stuff?

**ridindirtyzx3** · 05-13-2008, 10:42 PM

heres a quick photoshop someone on ff did of my car with the front bumper smoothed out... im liking it, and cant wait to see it on my car
http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/6219/smoothse0.jpg

Please Read the Rules: Max image size is 800x600 - Moderator

**Foci_Fosho** · 05-14-2008, 01:21 AM

that is a good Photoshop.

Essentially, that is exactly what it will look like when done.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CheckMyVitals

you get what you pay for.

I honestly wouldn't stray too far from what FF has laid out. Not that I'm going to say FF is a bodywork god or anything, I just remember when he did this. The research has been done over and over on this.

FF, can you remember the guy that was fusing an Integra and Focus bumper together? From what I remember, this is pretty much the same stuff he was using.

Agreed.
I am a complete novice but not too bad when it comes with working with putty and a wedge... I am getting better at painting, but not having proper tools and a area is hampers progress of course.

As for the Focus and Integra Bumper --
It was boncolli01 or bonacci01, awesome dude, and a creative individual.

To my knowledge he did complete the project, but it didn't live up to his standards so he trashed it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ridindirtyzx3

just a few hours ago i finished sanding the bumper, so this coming weekend ill start filling in the spots and sanding it down. and for filling in the lisence plate area, is it the same concept and i would just use a lot more of the filler stuff?

for the shaving and bumper lines, and such, and especially the license plate area.
Take your time

If you apply too thick of a layer of urethane filler -- It will not cure all the way.
It will seem all perfect and may look great painted. Then 5 months later you find Rock-chips and pits where pebbles collided with the bumper.

Apply 1 layer of filler at a time, and let it cure all the way.
I've flexed my bumper several different directions, and the urethane filler holds up great. Areas where I think I rushed, or didn't mix A/B proportions as 50/50 -- I think that could be the reasoning for the pitting.

Over-all I think it's a Great modification -- put the love and sweat into such a task and it really does make impressions.

Also the fitment is the same as an OEM Kit.

word to the wise: do the rear bumper at the same time as the front. It looks funky other-wsie.

**CheckMyVitals** · 05-14-2008, 02:52 AM

and you save money on painting

and I've been searching around for that 'teg fusion thread but can't find it. that guy had a sick shaved Focus

**MachFive** · 05-14-2008, 08:41 AM

Here's how my old whip looked with it:

I didn't do the work myself, but it had started to crack a little in the corners. Doesn't help that the shop didn't take out the side markers before covering them up.

:

But to me, that little ridge in the stock bumper always made it look cheap. Can't wait to see your results!

**CheckMyVitals** · 05-14-2008, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MachFive

Here's how my old whip looked with it:

I didn't do the work myself, but it had started to crack a little in the corners. Doesn't help that the shop didn't take out the side markers before covering them up.

:

But to me, that little ridge in the stock bumper always made it look cheap. Can't wait to see your results!

I'm actually really glad you already experimented with this... I had definitely wondered how it would work out leaving the markers in there. Do you know if they glued the markers to the bumper to try and prevent movement... or just left it bolted on?

You happen to have any more pics around? Pics without the lip? Love it.

**SilverBullet18** · 05-14-2008, 11:18 PM

I really like the way it looks with no lights or grooves.

**hEaT** · 05-14-2008, 11:25 PM

How would you go about shaving the license plate recess? Just fill it in layer by layer with filler?

**Foci_Fosho** · 05-14-2008, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverBullet18

I really like the way it looks with no lights or grooves.

true, but I wouldn't do that without having another lighting solution in place for the side. People in your blind-spot need that signal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hEaT

How would you go about shaving the license plate recess? Just fill it in layer by layer with filler?

Yes, otherwise it won't cure well, and pitting may occur from pebbles and road-debris as I mentioned in my previous post.

**SilverBullet18** · 05-14-2008, 11:40 PM

FociFosho, did you paint your bumper yourself? If so what kind of equipment did you use?

**Foci_Fosho** · 05-15-2008, 12:04 AM

I used a HVLP gun with 1 Pint of paint. (Dupont, acrylic base, Color code YZ)

i used up all that in 1 1/2 coats, so 3 cans of Dupli-color white to top it off.

in retrospect, I obviously should have gone the other way around, or learned how to spray an HVLP, but it was fun... too bad Dupont paint is ~$45 a pint.

05-11-2008, 06:48 PM	#1
ridindirtyzx3 TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lebanon, PA Posts: 894	smooth front bumper question i have a spare front stock bumper sitting around, and i was thinking about filling in the indented parts (the part that looks like molding stuff) of the bumper and making it all smooth. i know i saw this done a while ago, but i cant seem to find any pictures anymore. does anyone have any pictures of this. i dont wanna go through all the work of doin it and getting it painted, and then not like it. any help would be great, thanks. __________________ http://www.myspace.com/ruast8champ Mods: 17'' Enkei Evo 6 Rims, AEM CAI, OBX Header, Borla 2.25'' Exhaust, Steeda Short Shifter, Eibach Sportlines, Vis Invader Carbon Fiber Hood, 7'' In-Dash DVD Player, 12'' Kicker Sub, 1200W Sony Amp, Streetglow Gold-Line Underbody Kit (broken, but will soon be fixed), tint, and some other minor stuff

05-11-2008, 07:47 PM	#2
Foci_Fosho Senior TEAM Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Fremont/Newark, Ca Posts: 3,045	Re: smooth front bumper question No bondo. Use Flex-weld, Duromix, SEM Bumper repair kits, or a Thermo-plastic such as plastic-weld. You want to sand the bumper down with 200-400 grit. or Use a Heavy-grade 3M Scuff pad. Apply the 2-part A/B Mix... with a putty wedge. Sand. Repeat Sand Repeat do this until area is smooth. Finally prime, sand, apply more stuff if needed, and repeat. This was a 6 month Project from Start to finish, many hours of work, mostly 1-2 each weekend, 1 or 2 days a month... so it was slow moving. If I did it again with the bumper in my garage, I could do it in about ~16-24 Hours of work. The below was ~ 40-60 hours of work, just cause it was my 1st time doing such a project.... (~$180 in materials, paint, supplies.) I was actually thinking of selling it -- We'll see.... Project Pics: It's a Fun Project! I'd do it again, if I had the time... Or if I was paid.. haha. and I'd shave that license plate recess...

05-11-2008, 08:14 PM	#3
ridindirtyzx3 TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lebanon, PA Posts: 894	Re: smooth front bumper question thanks alot, that looks much better. and thanks for the step-by-step how-to. i was thinking about using bondo before, so im glad you recommended a couple other products to use instead. __________________ http://www.myspace.com/ruast8champ Mods: 17'' Enkei Evo 6 Rims, AEM CAI, OBX Header, Borla 2.25'' Exhaust, Steeda Short Shifter, Eibach Sportlines, Vis Invader Carbon Fiber Hood, 7'' In-Dash DVD Player, 12'' Kicker Sub, 1200W Sony Amp, Streetglow Gold-Line Underbody Kit (broken, but will soon be fixed), tint, and some other minor stuff

05-11-2008, 08:31 PM	#4
Foci_Fosho Senior TEAM Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Fremont/Newark, Ca Posts: 3,045	Re: smooth front bumper question Buy this stuff.... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SEM-F...spagenameZWD1V This is the stuff to use. It may seem expensive, but 10oz's is exactly how much you need. No less.... so buy two... actually, Now that I think about it... Perhaps 20 oz's may be needed. (I got one or two of those, and about 6-8 of the smaller, 1 oz tiny-tubes)

05-11-2008, 08:49 PM	#5
quest23 TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Antonio Posts: 517	Re: smooth front bumper question wow...that looks .... awesome....very nice out come...i gots to do this too... __________________ 00 Pitch Black ZX3 : i hate my car...but she love me

05-11-2008, 10:39 PM	#6
ridindirtyzx3 TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lebanon, PA Posts: 894	Re: smooth front bumper question thanks alot for the help, i just started sanding it down to strip off the crappy paint thats already on the bumper. if anyone has or can find any pix of bumpers like this, can you post em, so i can see how some others turned out __________________ http://www.myspace.com/ruast8champ Mods: 17'' Enkei Evo 6 Rims, AEM CAI, OBX Header, Borla 2.25'' Exhaust, Steeda Short Shifter, Eibach Sportlines, Vis Invader Carbon Fiber Hood, 7'' In-Dash DVD Player, 12'' Kicker Sub, 1200W Sony Amp, Streetglow Gold-Line Underbody Kit (broken, but will soon be fixed), tint, and some other minor stuff

05-11-2008, 11:41 PM	#7
CheckMyVitals Senior TEAM Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: London, Ontario Posts: 2,179	Re: smooth front bumper question I would also HEAVILY recommend shaving the turns while you're at it. I'm pretty sure someone on here found adhesive backed euro turn signals for the fender if you don't want to shell out for a euro fender. would look great IMO.

05-12-2008, 12:21 AM	#8
SilverBullet18 TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 209	Re: smooth front bumper question Is there anything else that you could use to fill it in thats a little cheaper? What about using expanding foam then fiberglass over that?

05-12-2008, 02:39 AM	#9
CheckMyVitals Senior TEAM Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: London, Ontario Posts: 2,179	Re: smooth front bumper question you get what you pay for. I honestly wouldn't stray too far from what FF has laid out. Not that I'm going to say FF is a bodywork god or anything, I just remember when he did this. The research has been done over and over on this. FF, can you remember the guy that was fusing an Integra and Focus bumper together? From what I remember, this is pretty much the same stuff he was using.

05-12-2008, 11:41 AM	#11
SidewayzS15 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 1,077	Re: smooth front bumper question What ever happened to that integra focus fusion did he ever finish it? That bumper looks great man, definetely a good improvement over stock! I think I like it better then most of the bumpers avalible to be honest __________________ *~~~ Built 2 Envy ~~~*

05-12-2008, 10:34 PM	#12
quest23 TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Antonio Posts: 517	Re: smooth front bumper question im gonna do this ...i think im gonna do away with the turn signals and maybe even get rid of all the lines on my car..like the ones on the fender...gonna go witha smooth all around look.... __________________ 00 Pitch Black ZX3 : i hate my car...but she love me

05-12-2008, 10:35 PM	#13
misplacedfanatic Rookie Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 42	Re: smooth front bumper question i'm doing this as soon as my new bumper arrives- would ABS sludge work as well?

05-13-2008, 10:27 PM	#15
ridindirtyzx3 TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lebanon, PA Posts: 894	Re: smooth front bumper question just a few hours ago i finished sanding the bumper, so this coming weekend ill start filling in the spots and sanding it down. and for filling in the lisence plate area, is it the same concept and i would just use a lot more of the filler stuff? __________________ http://www.myspace.com/ruast8champ Mods: 17'' Enkei Evo 6 Rims, AEM CAI, OBX Header, Borla 2.25'' Exhaust, Steeda Short Shifter, Eibach Sportlines, Vis Invader Carbon Fiber Hood, 7'' In-Dash DVD Player, 12'' Kicker Sub, 1200W Sony Amp, Streetglow Gold-Line Underbody Kit (broken, but will soon be fixed), tint, and some other minor stuff

05-13-2008, 10:42 PM	#16
ridindirtyzx3 TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lebanon, PA Posts: 894	Re: smooth front bumper question heres a quick photoshop someone on ff did of my car with the front bumper smoothed out... im liking it, and cant wait to see it on my car http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/6219/smoothse0.jpg Please Read the Rules: Max image size is 800x600 - Moderator __________________ http://www.myspace.com/ruast8champ Mods: 17'' Enkei Evo 6 Rims, AEM CAI, OBX Header, Borla 2.25'' Exhaust, Steeda Short Shifter, Eibach Sportlines, Vis Invader Carbon Fiber Hood, 7'' In-Dash DVD Player, 12'' Kicker Sub, 1200W Sony Amp, Streetglow Gold-Line Underbody Kit (broken, but will soon be fixed), tint, and some other minor stuff

05-14-2008, 02:52 AM	#18
CheckMyVitals Senior TEAM Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: London, Ontario Posts: 2,179	Re: smooth front bumper question and you save money on painting and I've been searching around for that 'teg fusion thread but can't find it. that guy had a sick shaved Focus

05-14-2008, 08:41 AM	#19
MachFive Moderator Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Lancaster, Pa, USA Posts: 3,731	Re: smooth front bumper question Here's how my old whip looked with it: I didn't do the work myself, but it had started to crack a little in the corners. Doesn't help that the shop didn't take out the side markers before covering them up. : But to me, that little ridge in the stock bumper always made it look cheap. Can't wait to see your results!

05-14-2008, 11:18 PM	#21
SilverBullet18 TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 209	Re: smooth front bumper question I really like the way it looks with no lights or grooves.

05-14-2008, 11:25 PM	#22
hEaT [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: CT Posts: 5,665	Re: smooth front bumper question How would you go about shaving the license plate recess? Just fill it in layer by layer with filler? __________________ 2001 Twilight Blue ZX3 - Volant Intake, FC 65mm TB, SVT Header, RT High Flow Cat, SVTF Borla Exhaust, Koni's 1985 Nimbus Grey Merkur XR4Ti - Work In Progress Tuned By: Bristol Dyno

05-14-2008, 11:40 PM	#24
SilverBullet18 TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 209	Re: smooth front bumper question FociFosho, did you paint your bumper yourself? If so what kind of equipment did you use?

05-15-2008, 12:04 AM	#25
Foci_Fosho Senior TEAM Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Fremont/Newark, Ca Posts: 3,045	Re: smooth front bumper question I used a HVLP gun with 1 Pint of paint. (Dupont, acrylic base, Color code YZ) i used up all that in 1 1/2 coats, so 3 cans of Dupli-color white to top it off. in retrospect, I obviously should have gone the other way around, or learned how to spray an HVLP, but it was fun... too bad Dupont paint is ~$45 a pint.