Front Bumper Clean-Up

[EmDeeAr]

Hey all,

I'm trying to cosmetically tidy up my ZHP's front end.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EV53&mospid=47725&btnr=51_4519&hg=51&fg=15

1. I'm replacing the lower grill as my current one has faded. However, the piece behind it - listed as "Adapter" at #4 in the diagram - also seems to have faded. Is the "Adapter" piece supposed to be black in the first place? In other words, does mine need replacing? I am pointing to the piece in question in one of the pictures.

2. Under the "lip" of the front bumper, there are about 4 holes where I'm missing some type of fastener (screw, rivet, pin?). Which part do you all think I'm missing? I'm thinking #20, but that's just a pin...

Coming up this week: New headlights (OEM), a belt up front (pretty sure it's the AC belt...), and a few interior fixes. I'll have some more updates and questions soon!

Thanks!!

957295739574

[Avetiso]

The four holes are for plastics clips that push in. They are those pins you are referring to.

Repaint your grill and adapter. Your new one will fade fast, too. Save the money and spray paint it.

[EmDeeAr]

The four holes are for plastics clips that push in.

Repaint your grill and adapter. Your new one will fade fast, too. Save the money and spray paint it.

Wow, sounds like a plan to me.

I'm assuming general purpose spray paint will look pretty cheap though, no? Is there a special type for this sort of thing? Back to Black - I've heard that tossed around a lot...

[Avetiso]

Wow, sounds like a plan to me.

I'm assuming general purpose spray paint will look pretty cheap though, no? Is there a special type for this sort of thing? Back to Black - I've heard that tossed around a lot...

Back to black will fade again. Plus, applying it on the grill would be a pain in the ass like no other.

I used a cheap can of spray paint from Walmart. Flat black; 96 cents. It's holding up just fine after about 6 months. If you want, you can buy paint specifically for plastics. That should last you longer.

It looks the same, IMO. The grill is so thin that you really just see what color it is.

[EmDeeAr]

Thanks Dario.

I read up on popping the grill out, and contrary to what I thought, it can be popped out without removing the entire bumper.

I'll try this tomorrow.

[johnrando]

You can pop it out or spray paint in place. Several of us have spray painted ours and it looks great. (I did mine in place).

[Yass_ZHP]

Thanks Dario.

I read up on popping the grill out, and contrary to what I thought, it can be popped out without removing the entire bumper.

I'll try this tomorrow.

Where did u read about this? How do you pop out the grill?

thanks...

[ELCID86]

Is #19 Circlip the right part for the shield? http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EV53&mospid=47725&btnr=51_3274&hg=51&fg=70

[Avetiso]

I removed the bumper.

[Washburn]

I read up on popping the grill out, and contrary to what I thought, it can be popped out without removing the entire bumper. I'll try this tomorrow.

Please share how it went - I would like to know how to remove the grill without removing the bumper, too...

I guess one can tape/mask the surrounding bumper areas and spray the grill without removing it, but that would be some intense / exact masking, probably...

As an alternative to painting, I wonder how cleaning it and applying something like Top Kote would work: (Can probably be done without removing bumper in this case, I think...)

Finish Kare Top Kote: (it's listed as a tire dressing, but as the last 2 links show, it does a great water resistant job on exterior plastics/trim, etc, too)
http://www.autogeek.net/finish-kare-top-kote-protectant.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/53172-review-finish-kare-108-top-kote-tire-dressing.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/33674-quick-review-finish-kare-108-top-kote-dressing.html

[johnrando]

Check my project thread for a pic of how I masked mine. It's really not that big a deal at all. (Couldn't find them there so I'll add and post the pic here);

http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc481/johnrando/IMG-20111210-00071.jpg (http://s1214.photobucket.com/user/johnrando/media/IMG-20111210-00071.jpg.html)

http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc481/johnrando/IMG-20111210-00074.jpg (http://s1214.photobucket.com/user/johnrando/media/IMG-20111210-00074.jpg.html)

[Washburn]

Thanks for the pics - it does look easier than I thought...
Which paint product did you use on yours?

[EmDeeAr]

1. There's not too much to explain, really. I thought the grill would break... but it didn't. You just have to pop it out in a quick manner. Really pop it, don't just push it. I was able to get mine out with the adapter piece (the plastic thing behind the grill) still attached. Getting everything back on might be a little tougher... which I will report back on.

2. As for paint, I went with Rust-Oleum's Automotive Custom Shop - Matte Finish. It says it's "Perfect for stripes, grills, and accessories!" That was enough for me :D

[johnrando]

I think Rustoleum too for me, gloss black as I have gloss black kidneys. (Could have been Krylon though).