3 hr DIY rear bumper mod
07-04-2008, 09:20 PM
#1
whines all the way home
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3 hr DIY rear bumper mod
yup, so theres nothin a sawz-all, a utility knife, and a dremel wont solve. Today lifted the rear up an cut away the mesh reliefs in the bottom of the rear bumper. Used a sheet of aluminum siding as a guide so that the guard of the sawz-all wouldnt beat up the bumper. Also used several files to clean up any uneven cuts. Have to say that realitivly speaking the bumper is very soft, at the right rpms cut though it like butter. Installed mesh using the flanges that used to hang the part I cut away. I was going to paint the mesh flat black to be a lil but more stealth but after dry fitting the formed mesh I liked the contrast that it gave to the black plastic.
07-05-2008, 01:35 AM
#7
Mine took only 15 minutes to do and it costs me 99 cents.
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-better-looking-oem-rear-diffuser-132286/
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-better-looking-oem-rear-diffuser-132286/
07-05-2008, 11:02 AM
#12
9K RPM's = ♥♥
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Where did you get the mesh, and what type of material/pattern was it? I just recently did my Oil Cooler/Lower Bumper Guard with RX8Strakes.com kit and matching the back bumper would look good IMO.
Your post makes me wanna go out and do this today. My G/F will be happy I'm working on my car again
Your post makes me wanna go out and do this today. My G/F will be happy I'm working on my car again
07-05-2008, 11:53 AM
#13
whines all the way home
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Where did you get the mesh, and what type of material/pattern was it? I just recently did my Oil Cooler/Lower Bumper Guard with RX8Strakes.com kit and matching the back bumper would look good IMO.
Your post makes me wanna go out and do this today. My G/F will be happy I'm working on my car again
Your post makes me wanna go out and do this today. My G/F will be happy I'm working on my car again
The mesh inst a true diamond mesh but it still looks great, one piece was 1"in too short so but after cutting for the "V" shape it fit,,,, cost $1.50 a piece....cheapest mod ive done, and really does change the look of the rear tremendously... thanks for the comments guys
Last edited by Rotr8; 07-05-2008 at 11:55 AM.
07-06-2008, 10:20 PM
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do you think there is any better flow at cruising speed by doing this? sort of like opening holes in the bumper parachute, or you think there is minimal air flow considering the muffler is right there?
07-07-2008, 02:01 AM
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to add to rotr8: easier DIY, read reply
yup, so theres nothin a sawz-all, a utility knife, and a dremel wont solve. Today lifted the rear up an cut away the mesh reliefs in the bottom of the rear bumper. Used a sheet of aluminum siding as a guide so that the guard of the sawz-all wouldnt beat up the bumper. Also used several files to clean up any uneven cuts. Have to say that realitivly speaking the bumper is very soft, at the right rpms cut though it like butter. Installed mesh using the flanges that used to hang the part I cut away. I was going to paint the mesh flat black to be a lil but more stealth but after dry fitting the formed mesh I liked the contrast that it gave to the black plastic.
2)thin blade or knife
heat up bumper, but not in concentrated areas but rather in generalized areas. then place knife on the edge ur comfortable in making the first cut... heat up a lil bit with light pressure on the plastic, and wait for the knife to sink in like butter.
move the knife along the cut with the heat gun and moderate pressure.
shouldn't take more than 30 minutes tops!
sorry i didn't contribute this earlier as noone in my area or the meets i go to seem interested in cutting their new car up as i did.
hope those that will proceed with this can help my technique useful... if at all more cost effective.
07-07-2008, 09:58 AM
#22
2004 Silver RX-8 Sport MT
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How about a DIY?
Also, I have the RX8Strakes.com kit too, and it needed a lot of trimming, plus doesn't look near as good because of visible screws and the plastic behind it.
Also, I have the RX8Strakes.com kit too, and it needed a lot of trimming, plus doesn't look near as good because of visible screws and the plastic behind it.
07-07-2008, 05:12 PM
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I was also thinking about a similar procedure for the front. Half of the front grill is blocked with fake holes. wassup with that? unless the mazda people saw a flow pattern that was more efficient with less opening to our radiator?
