bumper upgrade to JDM VR4 look.

[marktheblake]

Guess who went shopping today? Well you can see what I bought in the pictures. Genuine JDM VR4 components (as far as i can tell).

http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/7/web/439000-439999/439811_9_full.jpg

hard to tell in the picture but the bumper needs it does need a bit of work to fix some scratches

My first dilemma is that I have a white car, and the bumper section is all black. Well i am thinking i can leave it black, paint it white, or leave the bumper black and paint the rest white so it matches the rest of the car. Or i can buy some of the GSR/VR4 Door trims etc. (oh gosh more money).

I am thinking that having a black front on a white car is gunna look wicked, or i could look like a total dickhead. Cant hurt to try i suppose, a colour change is only a couple of spray packs away.

An immediate question what are the lights in the bumper? Seems one is a Fog Light and the other a Spotlight? In a standard JDM config which switches are they connected too?

2nd problem is one of the lights maybe knackered, the inside of the lens is dirty and full of bits (you can see the diff in the photo, one is much duller), how do you remove the front lens to get into it and clean it. Tried and all i seemed to do is break plastic even after removing the clips.

[92mpi]

Let's see if this is applicable to your bumper lights specs.

All the lights in the bumper only have one swith in the dashboard, beside the steering column, it can be found on the outer side. ( a dummy switch is installed, if you still don't have one) It is the vertical switch.

The wiring set-up that we have here is that you have to switch on your park lighs first before the bumper lights can be swithed on, even if they have a separate switch.

The round projector lights is the first one to illuminate. When you swtich to high beam, the round ones go out and the rectangular goes on. Don't know how they did the wiring.

Haven't tried opening the assembly.

Be careful with the screws securing the white cover on the sides, the cover can easily break if you screw it on too tight.

[[FIN]Teme]

as I said in other topic too.. that's not only JDM bumber... that's a normal GTi bumber we have here... i have one too..

[marktheblake]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(92mpi)</div><div class='quotemain'>The round projector lights is the first one to illuminate. Â*When you swtich to high beam, the round ones go out and the rectangular goes on. Â*</div>

So its not a Fog/Spot light combination, just extra lights for both High and Low beam?
Seems like thats a lot of lights for High beam, the two bulbs in the headlights and then the one below. Well shouldnt have an excuse for hitting a kangaroo then.

[bluedraco]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(marktheblake)</div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(92mpi)</div><div class='quotemain'>The round projector lights is the first one to illuminate. Â*When you swtich to high beam, the round ones go out and the rectangular goes on. Â*</div>

So its not a Fog/Spot light combination, just extra lights for both High and Low beam?
Seems like thats a lot of lights for High beam, the two bulbs in the headlights and then the one below. Well shouldnt have an excuse for hitting a kangaroo then.</div>

lol...actually, you are more than likely to hit one now than you were before...you see (no pun intended), those new lights will REALLY blind (as opposed to JUST blind) those kangaroos that are having a bit of a shit on the road in the middle of the night...now they will be SOOOOO blinded that they'll just stand there until you run into them! https://www.thegalantcenter.org/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif

[Rasko Da Gama]

Yahoooo Mark Da Blake! https://www.thegalantcenter.org/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif

Make sure you keep us posted with pictures when modding your front of the car https://www.thegalantcenter.org/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif

[92mpi]

Yup, it's more of an extra pair of lights than a fog lamps. their illumination range is much shorter than the headlights (just 55w bulb and lower aim on the road). But it's bright enough to drive around with them without using the headlights.

And yes, the bumper is not only for the JDM VR4. We also have it stock here in the GTi model (all exterior trims like the JDM VR4).

Enjoy!!! https://www.thegalantcenter.org/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif

[marktheblake]

just for Rasko https://www.thegalantcenter.org/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif Phase 1 Complete.

http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/7/web/439000-439999/439811_12_full.jpg

Clear corners are installed, though they dont look so clear from front angle do they.

other things i have done since the pictures in my sig were taken are;
- debadged the rotten badges, and removed the pinstriping.

Phase 2, is the front grill swap. the JDM grill i bought had been covered in Black stuff, so i am removing it. The chrome underneath is not the best so i think i will paint it white, and the mesh black

and the green and white rego plates are disgusting, gunna change em to black and white ones.

[Rasko Da Gama]

Nice work! :wink:
If you want totally clear corners, you have to do one more little mod.
Take corners out, brake, smash and throw out that orange "bulb cover" inside the lense. Than go and get some bulbs that look chrome, but are giving amber light. Put them in - and there you go!
Totaly Clear corners - complete :wink:

[marktheblake]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rasko Da Gama)</div><div class='quotemain'> Take corners out, brake, smash and throw out that orange "bulb cover" inside the lense. Than go and get some bulbs that look chrome, but are giving amber light. </div>

Suggestion! First go and buy some bulbs that glow amber. Then start breaking things.

Do you mean to remove the clear lens cover, or to do the surgery through the hole for the bulb?
It didnt look easy to remove the cover, though i really do want to (but afraid something will bust)

[orangbaligila]

hey,... congrats for da new bumper mate,... sorry for that shipping thing,.... i can't participate in making other member happy https://www.thegalantcenter.org/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif ....

for those lights,... the switch is on the right side of the dash (just beside the far right a/c outlet) if you don't have one,.. build it separately, buying that switch is not an option (too expensive for a switch) the wiring for that auxillary driving light (fog-light we call em here) comes from the factory together with the main headlight harness,... in your case,... a good car electrician and some relays will do just fine,... use a separate switch to power those lights, and parallel a control switch to the main harness (hi-lo beam)

my suggestion is,... never open those lights, it's sealed,.. and if you tried to open them it'll either crack,.. or if you're able to open them, it'll leak, pick up water, and get foggy real quick... side-markers as well,.. i never opened mine,.... but if you are willing to,... give it a go man,... hehe...

[Rasko Da Gama]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(marktheblake)</div><div class='quotemain'>
Do you mean to remove the clear lens cover, Â*or to do the surgery through the hole for the bulb?
It didnt look easy to remove the cover, though i really do want to (but afraid something will bust)</div>

Do the surgery through the hole for the bulb. I did it like that. Just put a screwdriver on and push it hard till it brakes. You have to crush it to little pieces if you ewant to get them out https://www.thegalantcenter.org/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif

Again... I had 15 minutes of work and it looks much better now :wink:

Good luck with the surgery... Doc https://www.thegalantcenter.org/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif

[92mpi]

Just a suggestion,

Before installing the fog lamps, try applying silicone sealant around the gaps of the assempbly and the bulb cover. moisture sometimes gets inside and sometimes get dirty. It's better to prevent this from happening than trying to clean it when it happens.

The grill also can be dismantled into 3 pcs: mesh, chrome front cover and the black plastic in the middle. Also the emblem can be removed so it is easier to repaint the whole grill. The red diamonds can also be removed.

[marktheblake]

Thanks to;
- Crazy Man from Bali. [doesnt quite have the same ring as Wild Man from Borneo does it https://www.thegalantcenter.org/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif ] thats exactly what i needed. anyway those lights are the last thing on my mind at the moment. I might leave them in for the look or Mesh them out while i think about it.

- Rasko. Keyhole surgery seems to be the way to go. but why the picture of Quentin Tarantino in your Sig. We might have to call you Reservoir DoG from now on :-)
(at least the initials R.D.G. still fit)

- 92mpi. yeah, i already pulled the grill it apart last night. The Chrome It had already been painted black but was peeling off. Whilst removing it i realised its not paint, but Tape. but how was it applied around corners etc without wrinkling, and it iswider than any tape. must be some special stuff that stretches and shrinks tofit i suppose, and is better than paint becuase more resistant to chips.

[Rasko Da Gama]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(marktheblake)</div><div class='quotemain'>Thanks to;
- Rasko. Â*Keyhole surgery seems to be the way to go. Â*but why the picture of Quentin Tarantino in your Sig. Â* We might have to call you Reservoir DoG from now on :-)
(at least the initials R.D.G. still fit)</div>

:laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :thumbsup: :kool: :rockon: :rockon: :rockon: :6G:

[jeucken]

I found myself a Galant VR-4 bumper here in the Netherlands. https://www.thegalantcenter.org/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif
I just don't know the price yet.

[marktheblake]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jeucken)</div><div class='quotemain'>I found myself a Galant VR-4 bumper here in the Netherlands. https://www.thegalantcenter.org/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif
I just don't know the price yet.</div>

Hey man, you got your own thread! :-)
well done, they look so much better dont they. Look even better on the car :-( maybe i will have it done next week.

[jeucken]

But will it fit on my car?
I mean, are the screws at the same place? Or am I going to have to improvise?

[[FIN]Teme]

front bumber will fit straight....

Only thing i had to do was make new holes for bolts in the sides... but it's quite easy to install...

Hardest part is to take old bumber out.... oh! the pain! https://www.thegalantcenter.org/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif
so much rusted bolts etc etc...

[jeucken]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE([FIN)</div><div class='quotemain'>Teme]Hardest part is to take old bumber out.... oh! the pain! https://www.thegalantcenter.org/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif Â*
so much rusted bolts etc etc...</div>Idd, 33% of the screws went ok, the next 33% broke when I turned them and the last 33% were just unable to turn so I had to saw them of...

[marktheblake]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jeucken)</div><div class='quotemain'>But will it fit on my car?
I mean, are the screws at the same place? Or am I going to have to improvise?</div>

according to the manuals, yes everything is exactly the same. but i havent tried yet - maybe monday.

[J apmetal]

I feel priveliged now - that's the exact same as my standard front bumper 8) believe me, it WILL look good when it's on !!

[marktheblake]

Phase 2 complete, JDM Turbo version of Front Grill fitted.

http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/7/web/439000-439999/439811_7_full.jpg

whaddya reckon?

It was black when i bought it, kinda like a plastic wrap or something. peeled it off to expose the chrome. Sanded it to get the bits off. about 3 layers of plastic primer, then 2 layers of primer filler to fill the odd scratch. Then about 6 layers of white to match the car and about 5 layers of clear coat. I have not reinserted the MMC diamonds, i am either going to paint em a brighter red, chrome, or black. Leaning towards the black.

Tossed out the 'chicken-wire' mesh that came with it and hunted around everywhere for some suitable mesh, couldnt buy anything anywhere.

then dropped by the local security Security Screen company, Cost was $0.00 - it helps to know them, for some of that new style of security/fly screen all in one.

Was very easy to cut and fit to the grill, and its the kind where you look at it from one angle and you can see straight through it, but from another angle it looks like solid screen. they are black powder coated, dunno how they will go but i have heaps to spare.

[92mpi]

Niiice 8)

my car is also about to be finished before christmas. i'll post some pics when it's finished

[J apmetal]

I repainted the diamonds on my red Lancer silver, for a better contrast - for a white car I'd go with either the "brighter" red or the black 8)

[Rasko Da Gama]

Nice work Marktheblake :wink:
Get that bumper fited quick - I can't wait to see it... 8)

[marktheblake]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rasko Da Gama)</div><div class='quotemain'>Nice work Marktheblake Â*:wink: Â*
Get that bumper fited quick - I can't wait to see it... Â*8)</div>

Ok for your benefit, i pulled the old bumper off, scraped most knuckles in the process, and now i cant drive my car anywhere. Why its taken me so long is that i have had dramas trying to remove one of the driving lights, bolts were rusted in.

Put the bumper in its place to see what it looks like. Its not bolted on yet.

http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/7/web/439000-439999/439811_5_full.jpg

i had to lighten the bumper in PS to show some detail, its actuallly darker than that.

now i am not sure what to do?

- paint the whole bumper white
-- white bumper but black grill section.
-- lower section paint white, but leave the bumper black to match the rest of the black trim around the car
- leave the bumper as black and paint the rest of the car black below the black trim.
- or stuff it and leave it as it is.

BTW you might also notice something else i added to the car if you look carefully.

[marktheblake]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(J apmetal)</div><div class='quotemain'>I repainted the diamonds on my red Lancer silver, for a better contrast - for a white car I'd go with either the "brighter" red or the black Â*8)</div>

Its a great tip, thats why i went for the black-- thanks.

[Rasko Da Gama]

I would paint the whole bumper white and paint all black trim around the car white as well. It would look awsome for my taste.

And mirrors and door handles... I would paint them white too, if you didn't made that allready - is it Photoshoped?

I like that rims https://www.thegalantcenter.org/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif

[marktheblake]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rasko Da Gama)</div><div class='quotemain'> is it Photoshoped?</div>

you know damn well i cant use photoshop that well !

the mirrors are already white, didnt know there was any other kind.

[Rasko Da Gama]

OK nice work man... Give us the pictures quick https://www.thegalantcenter.org/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif

BTW: My mirrors are black, the car is white :cry:

[92mpi]

For my taste, I would paint the bumper and the door trims white and paint the grill section of the bumper flat black.

My car is finally finished. If only I have a digital camera or know how to operate my scanner :oops: , I would post pictures here.

The completed look is a JDM VR4

[Rasko Da Gama]

Camon... pic pic https://www.thegalantcenter.org/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif

[marktheblake]

not the best picture, too much sun, not enough battery in the cam. some better ones in a coupla days.

http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/7/web/439000-439999/439811_13_full.jpg

[Rasko Da Gama]

Damn budy - that's sure HOT https://www.thegalantcenter.org/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif

I'd paint those side trims white too, but anyway"
Congrats for nice work! JDM VR-4 front-end conversion kicks asssssss https://www.thegalantcenter.org/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif

[BXNYMitsu01]

Looks nice.