molded body kit issues

[Haytees]

Alright well dont flame me i bought the car like this because it was a pretty good price

Andyway the rear bumper is molded and all i can say is dat ass.

the problems and question i am getting to is the front bumper and fenders..

These kids cut the mounts for the front bumper off of the fenders.. umm wtf

i cant just take the fenders off because they are molded as part of the side skirt

so i was wondering if there is anyway to break the modly ever so gently to replace the fenders.. Or is it possible to weld some sort of makeshift mount behind the fender? if so what would you guys suggest? Like a mffler bracket i can buy for a few bucks and just make a real fast pass on it to get it secure?

This car sits so low the way the bumper is now i am afraid to even drive it

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[ktgurl87]

Depending on what was used to mold the sideskirts on, you may be able to take like a body hammer and gently hammer where the seam would be. If it doesn't break, then I don't know :/

 

[WES_393]

You might have to call the molded side skirts a loss. Or cut them with the edge of the fender and have someone redo them once you get new fenders. Either way, that front bumper has to mounted completely in order to avoid trouble with the 5-0.

 

[Haytees]

well it wouldnt bother me if i could replace the fenders and still salvage the sideskirts but not have them molded..

What do you guys think about welding a small bracket on the inside of the fenders to try an dget it as tight and close as possible? or will the heat leave horrible spots on the outside of the fender?

 

[ktgurl87]

I'm not sure that would work. Honestly your best bet is to try and break the sideskirts loose so you can remove them so you can replace the whole fender.

 

[4Lurker4]

Personally, if I were in your shoes I would just implement a quick release latch. That way you don't mess with the sideskirts/fenders and it'll hold like you want it to for much cheaper. Drill, attach, done. Just a thought

Example: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/new...mper-quick-release-removal.html#post152496426

You can always make your own a bit less protruded but that's up to you.

 

[95g-s-x]

The one thing i would try before cutting or welding is panel adhesive.........get a small section of angled steel (with hole drilled for bumper bolt) and use metal to metal panel adhesive to bond it to the back side of the fender. you can use c-clamps to hold it in place while it cures. If you don't know where to get it, just ask a local reputable body shop.

I have used it before, and it is almost impossible to separate the panels if properly prepped.

 

[Haytees]

thanks for the advice guys.. the latch idea looks pretty cool might look into that a little more..

And so is the adhesive..

Both better than the zip ties holding it on!

I just dont understand why they would cut the brackets off. even if it was molded on before

 

[importracr317]

Having molded several kits, there is feasibly no reason to remove the tabs on the fender. If anything, you would want to leave the tabs to rivet or bolt the bumper to so you have a strong connection to start the bodywork molding process.

You'll need to cut the side skirt from the fender to replace the fender. If you want that front end to be secure, you'll need some real structure to mount the bumper to the fenders. While a bracket or quick release may work, it's only a band-aid.

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

Why not just lose the skirts completely and grab a set of OEM skirts? They don't really look right with the OEM front bumper anyways.

 

[Haytees]

i also dont have the money to repaint my car.. and im afraid they may have cut the tabs off on those aswell... You never know ya know

 

[crash89]

The quick release tabs are a great idea! If I were you Id try that first..

Second could be buy some fenders at a scrap yard, mark, and carefully cut the sections out you need and weld them in place..

Third idea would be to just ditch the skirts all together. Do a little sanding and bondo work and some cheap black spray paint some good used oem skirts and fenders will look pretty decent. And fit betteR!

 

[Haytees]

yeah well what are your guys input on rattle canning the whole car? im thinking of going flat white..

reason being i want to do that is because the the molding has cause a few stress cracks but nothing some finger nail polish wont help somewhat..

And ugh i just dont want to pull the skirts off and run into the same problem

but to replace them would be a plus because i cannot jack this car up with as low as it sits right now.. i have to have someone lift the front end up to get a jack under the front support.. and to lift it from the side or rear is almost out of the question

EDIT

I think im going to go with the latch.. its seems pretty practical for me. i think itll line it up pretty straight + no cutting and welding or dealing with bondo and sanding

but i cant deal with the chrome so i think ill paint them black