For anyone who is apprehensive about taking your bumper off, let me put your fears to rest. I've never removed the bumper from a car before (I've never done much mechanically-related, period), and it was very easy by following the instructions. I was more worried about getting it back on, but that went even smoother than taking it off. It took me about an hour to do by myself, and when I install the a/c condenser screen, it will go alot faster. Plus, the silver screens look kinda cool. Don't be afraid to try it!

 

It's almost as if you read my mind. After returning home last week from a 2400 mile trip I realized I had several dings in my oil coolers. I was contemplating the oil cooler screen install but was apprehensive about removing the front bumper. If it's as easy as you say then I may try this myself. I was looking in the DIY section but it appears as if the pictures in the "front bumper removal" thread have disappeared but, the step-by-step instructions seem pretty descriptive and easy to follow.

 

I had no problems at all with it. It's made me think about other projects that I was afraid to do myself. Just remember to tighten everything back up when you are done.

 

What would you say is the approx weight of the front bumper? I was wondering if one person can easily lift it off or would you advise maybe having a friend or two help out?

 

It is very light. I didn't really pay much attention, but I would say it was as heavy as an ordinary wooden dining room chair. That can vary I'm sure, but trust me, it isn't heavy and you shouldn't have any problems with it just by yourself. Everything is symmetrical though, so having another set of hands with tools will make it go twice as fast. But assistance shouldn't be necessary. Be sure to put a towel or blanket down so that you don't scratch it up when you lower it.

 

Thanks jaguargod! I feel better now about trying this mod. Thanks for all the tips :D

 

The real kicker is that when I first got my car, the headlight had broken pieces inside it, and it had to be replaced. When I dropped it off, I remember asking them if it would be ready that day. The tech said something like "No, no, it takes about 2 hours just to drop that front bumper. It's going to be a while". I'd like to see them try and use that excuse on me again in the future.

 

Hey Where You Got The Screens From .

 

http://www.racingbeat.com/FRmazda4.htm

 

Racing Beat is on backorder... I called earlier today and they said it would be another 1-2 weeks! OMG!!!
I dunno if I can on that long without oil cooler protection... oh my babies...

 

Or you could try the DIY oil cooler grill install using the gutter guard material. I've seen a few that look better than RB guards Check the DIY forum for more pics.

 

What about the a/c screen, are they out of stock as well? The thing I like about the RB screens is that they aren't attached to the front fender, so when I decide to get my RB aftermarket nose kit, I won't have to redo the screens. Has anyone installed the RB a/c screen? The RB oil cooler screens were a piece of cake to install, but I assume the a/c screen is a little more involved.

 

I will have to take pics a found a way to do it without removing the bumper, I took the front splash guard under the car off and snuck them up into the oil cooler air deflectors took about 15mins for both.

 

I also am seriously considering getting the RB oil cooler screens, but since I'm going to be living thru avg. 100+ degree summer heat in this area, was a little concerned about air flow restrictions from the screen. From other threads on this topic, I heard the screens could block about 30% of the airflow. Any advice on the trade off between protecting the coolers and ensuring enough air for adequate cooling, especially in the temperatures I'm dealing with in the summer (also, I'm doing mostly congested stop and go traffic in this type of weather)??

 

I installed the a/c screen. It was simple. To sum it up remove the bolt holding the ac condensor place the spacer in and rebolt repeat 4 times for each bolt. Then bolt the screen to the spacer. I love the screen it sits 3 or so inches infront of the condensor. The process to add the screen was about 10 mins.

 

I was hesitant on doing this too. I have the appearance package (front air dam), do you know if there are any additional steps for this? I would like to add them.

Bob

 

My oil screens sit about 1/4 inch or more in front of my oil coolers. I would think that would prevent reduced air flow. It they were sitting right on the coolers, I could see maybe 30% reduction in flow.

 

I think 30% restriction is a little high for the RB screens. I have not noticed any abnormally high operating temps and I run in Hotlanta with lotsa congested stop and go traffic.

 

You don't have to worry about it. It stays attached to the bumper just fine when removing the bumper.

I did the REVi install this weekend by myself(for the most part) and was a little worried about taking it off as well. Wasn't that bad, but was easier with a second person(wife) to help get it off and back on.

 

i have to get those screens. I dont know why they didnt put screens or somtihing on at the factory to protect that. But hey we're talking bout mazda..

 

I did this over the weekend and it went very well, the only tricky part was disconnecting the fogs before removing the cover. I did not heed the advice of a fellow board member which was putting tape over the front lens covers. I did this by myself and put a couple small scratches in the covers when refitting the bumper cover. When I put the Revi in I will make sure to follow that step,

 

Actually,without the fog light kit, there is a plastic shield over the oil coolers,but this is removed w the install,if I remember correctly.
I installed the RB O/C screens soon after I got the car,and this spring I installed the newest cover, the A/C Condenser Protective Screen,as well.
Good stuff,imho.