Stock Bumper Modding

R

rallyusa

Active LVC Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2012
Messages
118
Reaction score
2
Location
Lilburn
Hi All,

Figured I'd start a new thread for this. I'm planning on ordering a new stock Gen II front bumper and modifying it. I'm not sure exactly how I am going to do this, but I'm sure I'll get some good advice. I'm currently looking at fabricating some inserts for the lower grill and then using epoxy and glazing putty to attach them and also using glazing putty and sanding to remove top inserts and bottom "step" and then having it painted. I'm not sure on the bottom grill, but I think I want to color match it to the top grill (the dark grey).

I'm going to start ordering stuff pretty soon and I will keep everyone posted as I go. I'm looking for this to be a somewhat budget project and to get a little uniqueness rather than just ordering an LSE bumper cover.

Here is a rather ugly Gimp-shop of what I'm planning to do, not too pretty but gets the point across. Also, I am planning on painting my black skirts all the way around too, I just didn't have time to do so in this image.

 
Just buy the 06 bumper. In my opinion it looks the best, with no mods needed. You will save yourself some headache in the end. but if you are do this, do it to an 06. The round fog lights will look better with what you want to do..

Im digging the trim delete, not too sure about the lower grille.
 
That makes the already large bumper cover look GIGANTIC!!!! Looks like a cowcatcher! It also doesn't blend well (at all really) with the rest of the body lines.

IMHO.
 
I wont stop anyone from doing any type of mod they want to spend their money on. I too have played around with different looks for a non LSE cover (never came up with anything i liked)... not feeling this picture, but maybe..

The LS has very subtle lines and shape that make the car... easy to ruin the look...
 
Thanks for the quick feedback everyone, as I said this is kinda a rough idea of what I want to do. I'm thinking I'll probably start with the insert-delete and painting the black skirt pieces (what are those called again?). As far as the lower grill and getting rid of the bumper "step" that exists, I'm thinking that leaving the step there might be a good idea. I'm also thinking the lower grill opening could be wider. I'll do up another picture when I get some time, I'll put some more detail into it.

Again, thanks for the feedback!
 
I'd have to agree with the other guys, go with the '06 LSE Bumper with no mods. I'm not sure what it is about the design you have in the picture above, but I don't think it looks good. Maybe too bulky? Too "pimp my ride-ish" if you know what I mean.. I admire your creativity though!
 
I think the issue is that it's just too smooth. There are lines that break it up for a reason.
 
Not feeling it, but maybe its just the ps job.

How about this one

Red_LS_kit.jpg
 
Looks too pontiac.
Yeah, im sure you could make something fit around the bottom. If you're willing to put some time into it. Personally I like the 06 the way it is, im not too sure id mess with it. But I darn sure would rather buy one then paint it, before I'd buy one from a second gen pre-06, cut it up, mold a bunch of crap on it, and cross my fingers it doesn't crack in the future.
 
It needs the trim look along the top. I personally say just go with the 06/LSE.
 
I was just gonna say, that looks like a G8 bumper.. I don't think there is a better looking bumper than the 06 LSE.. Makes it a totally different car.. More like an Audi.. I'll be ordering one this spring
 
I like the '06 LSE bumper too, and I appreciate all the feedback, I only spent 5 minutes on what I posted and I'll probably do a much better job tonight when I have more time. I'm looking to do something unique, and I'll probably be posting a lot more ideas on here, especially when I get the time to really do some Gimp (poor mans Photoshop) work. I am well aware of the unique look of the LS and I don't want to ruin it, but I do like to do things myself and I think this would be something fun to do.
 
rallyusa said:
I like the '06 LSE bumper too, and I appreciate all the feedback, I only spent 5 minutes on what I posted and I'll probably do a much better job tonight when I have more time. I'm looking to do something unique, and I'll probably be posting a lot more ideas on here, especially when I get the time to really do some Gimp (poor mans Photoshop) work. I am well aware of the unique look of the LS and I don't want to ruin it, but I do like to do things myself and I think this would be something fun to do.
Click to expand...

You want to make the bumper have a sleeker look, not look like a slab.
 
Don't want to hijack but has anyone ever taken out the chrome bumper trim on a gen1 and filled it with bondo then painted to match?
 
you mean a sport bumper??? plenty have painted the chrome pieces... just search
 
this is what I want to do, I know some of you hate this type of look but this is the plan probably not a bmw bumper but you get the idea. also if you are good with photo shop make it all the same color

lincoln ls body kit.jpg
 
The only thing I would consider on the front bumper is recessing the lower opening to the depth of the grill. Fog lights and grill opening 3-4" back in the hole.

You could probably pull that off without too much drama / bodywork and maybe tie the mach chin spoiler in without it looking too goofy.
 
honestly, an 06 front end is the best looking of anything i have seen. no reason to go any more than that. however I really do love the wide body look on an LS.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

No members online now.
Total: 186 (members: 0, guests: 186)
Back
Top