97 Eclipse 2GB Front Bumper

[greydelta38]

A few months ago, I purchased a 2G (97) Eclipse GS-T off of a guy who had no idea what he had.
He had bought it from a guy who had put a few nice mods on it (i.e. hi flow cat, new racing tires, sound system, a few turbo tweaks, etc.) as a joy rider. He shortly realized that it was a much more time consuming vehicle and it was too much for him, so he just wanted to get rid of it. Unfortunately, before he sold it, someone in front of him slammed on their brakes and he hit the back of their car, and tore the OEM front bumper clean off. The frame isn't bent, all the internal is fine. Just the bumper. A plastic replacement was slapped on it just to be a placeholder shortly before I got it.

Long story short, I need a new bumper. Preferably an OEM, but aftermarket isn't a problem. How much should I pay for a good one? What brand of AM should it be, if not Mitsu? I'm afraid of getting screwed by someone, because I don't know much about body and fabrication.

If anyone lives in North Alabama, and has an OEM, send me a PM.

 

[inspire]

I am very knowledgeable in auto body. As far as the bumper goes I would try my best to buy a OEM replacement. Aftermarket bumpers fit horribly, often have uneven contours, and can also be a PITA to make paint stick to its surface. Your best bet would be a salvage yard, or maybe checking out the classifieds. Does the rear body panel have any damage (It is the section that holds together your trunk located behind the bumper cover and impact bar on the rear. If you see any damage, even if it is only just a little bit of cracking paint it would be best to straighten the panel, strip the section down and put a fresh coat of primer and paint to keep the car from rusting. Fender benders like this are often the reason for huge amounts of rust problems in the future. Just because the frame doesn't look bent to you does not mean that it is not. I have seen many a car that have come in, looked fine, even driven straight put it on the frame machine and WAY out of specifications. Something like minor frame damage could go undetected at regular driving conditions, but at high speeds, sharp turns or a dangerous situation were you need to get out of the way fast it could come back to haunt you in the long run. If you decide to save a few bucks and absolutely must go aftermarket with your choice I would try a company like LKQ or Keystone before I go wondering into the world of "flea bay" Just some advice that you may find helpful. Also if you order a aftermarket bumper PLEASE test fit the product before you sand on it, take it in for paint, or whatever your plans to do are. If it doesn't line up good enough to your liking most companies will replace it with another one. But you always run the risk or going through with that numerous times until your finally pleased with the outcome. I would just go OEM used, it will save you a headache in the long run. You want aftermarket buy a ebay body kit that is going to look as good as it will probably last. Body kits= Anti DSM Purity! Hope this could be of some help. Good luck and safe driving.

 

[99ECLIPSEGSXDSM]

Look in the classifieds man or search Craigslist or even at a local junk yard. You could also check into miller imports. They sell used Dsm parts and probly have a used bumper and have great customer service.

 

[CaitSith]

+1 junkyard or DSM classifieds.

 

[jschreiber]

I am very knowledgeable in auto body. As far as the bumper goes I would try my best to buy a OEM replacement. Aftermarket bumpers fit horribly, often have uneven contours, and can also be a PITA to make paint stick to its surface. Your best bet would be a salvage yard, or maybe checking out the classifieds. Does the rear body panel have any damage (It is the section that holds together your trunk located behind the bumper cover and impact bar on the rear. If you see any damage, even if it is only just a little bit of cracking paint it would be best to straighten the panel, strip the section down and put a fresh coat of primer and paint to keep the car from rusting. Fender benders like this are often the reason for huge amounts of rust problems in the future. Just because the frame doesn't look bent to you does not mean that it is not. I have seen many a car that have come in, looked fine, even driven straight put it on the frame machine and WAY out of specifications. Something like minor frame damage could go undetected at regular driving conditions, but at high speeds, sharp turns or a dangerous situation were you need to get out of the way fast it could come back to haunt you in the long run. If you decide to save a few bucks and absolutely must go aftermarket with your choice I would try a company like LKQ or Keystone before I go wondering into the world of "flea bay" Just some advice that you may find helpful. Also if you order a aftermarket bumper PLEASE test fit the product before you sand on it, take it in for paint, or whatever your plans to do are. If it doesn't line up good enough to your liking most companies will replace it with another one. But you always run the risk or going through with that numerous times until your finally pleased with the outcome. I would just go OEM used, it will save you a headache in the long run. You want aftermarket buy a ebay body kit that is going to look as good as it will probably last. Body kits= Anti DSM Purity! Hope this could be of some help. Good luck and safe driving.

Good call on that advise. I almost bought an ebay bumper becuase the price was right but now glad I didnt. Ill wait until I find a good OEM one and until then, hoping that new paint and gorilla tape on the cracks on the underside of my bumper holds for a bit longer...

 

[tylersmith2014]

problem solved go to the junk yard by one off of a eclipse-paint it-slap it on-Cheapest method

 

[97GSTwa]

You can find alot in the parting out on this site, then if you find one with the same color as the car, you dont even have to paint it...

 

[1G9S9T7]

Go with OEM. Body kits are a pain to make perfect. With an OEM bumper, it'll go right on. Simple and done. No headaches. Plus cars with half a body kit look goofy to me. It's either all around body kit or no body kit.

 

[Nicklepage1010]

Or you could swap to a 2gb Talon bumper. Just an option.

 

[AWD1997TALON]

Or you could go Carbon Fiber - Carbon Creations, paint optional.

My car is mostly black though so the CF bumper is a bit more understated than it would be on a white car.

Otherwise, go OEM and don't look back. The additional costs of making aftermarket body kits work aren't worth the hassle unless you are a bodyman or have a good friend that is.

 

[markeski]

My local junkyard has several 2gb bumpers in fair condition. Amazon sells an aftermarket bumper cover for $40 as another option. I'd try and find one used that is painted the color of your car and then just bolt it on with zero bodywork. There are enough 2gb bumpers out there if you are willing to look hard enough.

 

[manny correa]

Or you search for the closest certifit auto body near you and get it for $32 and some change, out the door! I buy them from there all the time, with great fitment! Same bumpers that sell on EBay for $80+

 

[2gnt99]

i bought a oem off ebay for 74 shipped

Did the eBay bumper come with the Mitsubishi logo? I've seen several that don't and don't have the impression for it.