Getting a new front bumper!
07-28-2011, 11:18 AM
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Getting a new front bumper!
Long story short, tire snake ate my car. 1500$ in damages and insurance is allowing me to substitute an aftermarket bumper if I want. So i'm looking at bumpers, does anyone have any suggestions of front bumpers that are obtainable? I have a 2004 in Velocity Red. I've got about 600$ to spend and i'm looking at a Shine Kit, or a VIS Magnum kit.
Now, I know they're replicas and not that great. But the shop/insurance is handling the fitment, install and such. I'd really like to get a Mazda Speed looking kit. Does anyone have any suggestions?
SHINE:
http://www.shineautoproject.com/autospec.htm#
VIS Magnum:
http://www.andysautosport.com/mazda/...r00134138.html
Now, I know they're replicas and not that great. But the shop/insurance is handling the fitment, install and such. I'd really like to get a Mazda Speed looking kit. Does anyone have any suggestions?
SHINE:
http://www.shineautoproject.com/autospec.htm#
VIS Magnum:
http://www.andysautosport.com/mazda/...r00134138.html
07-28-2011, 11:20 AM
#2
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VIS is crap. Go with the Shine if you are going replica. But for $600.00 you could get an authentic vertex or something if you shop around.
Or just stay OEM (like me), shave the emblem, and get a nice lip spoiler.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9krpmrx8/5802866676/
Or just stay OEM (like me), shave the emblem, and get a nice lip spoiler.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9krpmrx8/5802866676/
Last edited by 9krpmrx8; 07-28-2011 at 11:24 AM.
07-28-2011, 11:41 AM
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I can't seem to find any Vertex kits from a vendor from anything less than 750. I'm really thinking the shine or some other MazdaSpeed replica. Are there any good MS Replicas?
07-28-2011, 11:51 AM
#4
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What you will pay in fitment work needed on most replicas will wash out the money you save. Not to mention fitment adjustments always depend on the shop that is doing the work. If they don't do that type of thing often they will likely do a shitty job.
07-28-2011, 12:04 PM
#5
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get the VIS
you're being cheap so might as well not listen to solid advice and get an ill fitting bumper.
you'll love it...
you're being cheap so might as well not listen to solid advice and get an ill fitting bumper.
you'll love it...
07-28-2011, 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Jedi54
get the VIS
you're being cheap so might as well not listen to solid advice and get an ill fitting bumper.
you'll love it...
you're being cheap so might as well not listen to solid advice and get an ill fitting bumper.
you'll love it...
07-28-2011, 12:30 PM
#7
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you want an aftermarket bumper (upgrade) for only $600. You're being cheap.
My aftermarket bumper was $1,600 before fitment / paint.
oh and in case you didn't know, the words "MS replica" and "decent quality" don't go in the same sentence. Seriously, never seen a decent one, let alone one that I would even consider spending a dollar on.
just get OEM and be done with it.
My aftermarket bumper was $1,600 before fitment / paint.
oh and in case you didn't know, the words "MS replica" and "decent quality" don't go in the same sentence. Seriously, never seen a decent one, let alone one that I would even consider spending a dollar on.
just get OEM and be done with it.
Last edited by Jedi54; 07-28-2011 at 12:32 PM.
07-28-2011, 01:48 PM
#9
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Sleepers FTW 
OP, have you talked to the body shop about this issue? Do they understand it could takes hours of refinishing, cutting, etc. to get the bumper straight? Typically the insurance company will pay for labor based on the initial quote, if the body shop did not get this extra labor approved, it will not be paid for by the insurance company.
For example, my buddy runs a body shop here in SA. They have two locations, one at the local Porsche dealership and another at the biggest Mercedes dealership in town. They do perfect work. Another local member hit some road debri in his 2010 Rx-8 GT. Well, USAA (Insurance) cut him a check (car is paid for).
He ordered the new Mazdatrix bumper and kit to have it installed and painted by my buddies shop. My buddy called me to explain that he had just received the Mazdatrix kit and that it was pretty rough. He said installation and paint would take longer because fitment was okay but they everything needed to be smoothed out and cleaned up. Remember, this is a kit by a very reputable vendor. VIS, Extreme dimension, etc. are all well known for being crap and fitting like crap. Much of the knock off stuff can't even be fixed or shops will just refuse to do it because they can't warranty it.
OP, have you talked to the body shop about this issue? Do they understand it could takes hours of refinishing, cutting, etc. to get the bumper straight? Typically the insurance company will pay for labor based on the initial quote, if the body shop did not get this extra labor approved, it will not be paid for by the insurance company.
For example, my buddy runs a body shop here in SA. They have two locations, one at the local Porsche dealership and another at the biggest Mercedes dealership in town. They do perfect work. Another local member hit some road debri in his 2010 Rx-8 GT. Well, USAA (Insurance) cut him a check (car is paid for).
He ordered the new Mazdatrix bumper and kit to have it installed and painted by my buddies shop. My buddy called me to explain that he had just received the Mazdatrix kit and that it was pretty rough. He said installation and paint would take longer because fitment was okay but they everything needed to be smoothed out and cleaned up. Remember, this is a kit by a very reputable vendor. VIS, Extreme dimension, etc. are all well known for being crap and fitting like crap. Much of the knock off stuff can't even be fixed or shops will just refuse to do it because they can't warranty it.
08-02-2011, 08:44 AM
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I've actually taken both of your advice and decided to go a different way. I'm going to use the money to get the splash guards replaced, get some tint, and do a few other things.
The bumper isn't HORRIBLY damaged, as soon as I get the splash guards back in place it will take shape again. Then I'll likely refinish it, I can do the body work I just can't do the paint. The bumper just needs some sanding down and filling on a spot or two. Then repainted.
I'd rather save up and get a proper Mazdaspeed Kit that fits and looks good.
The bumper isn't HORRIBLY damaged, as soon as I get the splash guards back in place it will take shape again. Then I'll likely refinish it, I can do the body work I just can't do the paint. The bumper just needs some sanding down and filling on a spot or two. Then repainted.
I'd rather save up and get a proper Mazdaspeed Kit that fits and looks good.
Sleepers FTW
OP, have you talked to the body shop about this issue? Do they understand it could takes hours of refinishing, cutting, etc. to get the bumper straight? Typically the insurance company will pay for labor based on the initial quote, if the body shop did not get this extra labor approved, it will not be paid for by the insurance company.
For example, my buddy runs a body shop here in SA. They have two locations, one at the local Porsche dealership and another at the biggest Mercedes dealership in town. They do perfect work. Another local member hit some road debri in his 2010 Rx-8 GT. Well, USAA (Insurance) cut him a check (car is paid for).
He ordered the new Mazdatrix bumper and kit to have it installed and painted by my buddies shop. My buddy called me to explain that he had just received the Mazdatrix kit and that it was pretty rough. He said installation and paint would take longer because fitment was okay but they everything needed to be smoothed out and cleaned up. Remember, this is a kit by a very reputable vendor. VIS, Extreme dimension, etc. are all well known for being crap and fitting like crap. Much of the knock off stuff can't even be fixed or shops will just refuse to do it because they can't warranty it.
OP, have you talked to the body shop about this issue? Do they understand it could takes hours of refinishing, cutting, etc. to get the bumper straight? Typically the insurance company will pay for labor based on the initial quote, if the body shop did not get this extra labor approved, it will not be paid for by the insurance company.
For example, my buddy runs a body shop here in SA. They have two locations, one at the local Porsche dealership and another at the biggest Mercedes dealership in town. They do perfect work. Another local member hit some road debri in his 2010 Rx-8 GT. Well, USAA (Insurance) cut him a check (car is paid for).
He ordered the new Mazdatrix bumper and kit to have it installed and painted by my buddies shop. My buddy called me to explain that he had just received the Mazdatrix kit and that it was pretty rough. He said installation and paint would take longer because fitment was okay but they everything needed to be smoothed out and cleaned up. Remember, this is a kit by a very reputable vendor. VIS, Extreme dimension, etc. are all well known for being crap and fitting like crap. Much of the knock off stuff can't even be fixed or shops will just refuse to do it because they can't warranty it.
08-02-2011, 10:58 AM
#12
I zoom therefore I am.
nothing wrong with that if it's what he can afford right now. Let's not beat up the guy to not get a crappy aftermarket bumper and then beat him up some more when he takes (kinda) the advice given to him.
08-02-2011, 11:04 AM
#13
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Meh, with $600.00 he could easily get a new OEM bumper and lip, painted. And unless you do bodywork for a living, repairing a bumper is not easy and is rarely done well by a rookie. But it's his car, if he wants to buy new stuff when his current stuff is jacked up then that's his decision.
08-02-2011, 11:09 AM
#14
I zoom therefore I am.
we were all new once. Can you really tell me you never did anything against people's advice only to later regret your decision?
at least he didn't buy an ill fitting bumper that he would later need to just throw away.
and now, two kittens boxing
at least he didn't buy an ill fitting bumper that he would later need to just throw away.
and now, two kittens boxing
08-03-2011, 03:36 AM
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08-03-2011, 03:41 AM
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Meh, with $600.00 he could easily get a new OEM bumper and lip, painted. And unless you do bodywork for a living, repairing a bumper is not easy and is rarely done well by a rookie. But it's his car, if he wants to buy new stuff when his current stuff is jacked up then that's his decision.
It would then cost me another 400 - 500$ to get the splash guards, fender liners, and engine tray to ensure everything lines up. My current bumper has a 1 inch gash and some spider cracks.. I can live with that. If the damage was noticeable from anything over 5 feet, I would have a problem. I don't have the money to replace the bumper at this time, i'm moving and getting a new place.
I'm no rookie, but i'm not an expert either. However a one inch gash can easily be sanded down and filled in then repainted at a shop. I don't get why you're flaming me constantly for any choice I make, it's an informed decision.
Last edited by Digi; 08-03-2011 at 03:49 AM.
08-03-2011, 04:32 AM
#18
I didn't want a record of accident on the car, so I've been driving with my cracked bumper since February 2010; I just aligned the front lip,
replaced the fog light and oil cooler bracket, buffed out the scratches, and relocated my front license plate to hide the 'eye-sore'.
replaced the fog light and oil cooler bracket, buffed out the scratches, and relocated my front license plate to hide the 'eye-sore'.
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