Hiroshi's frankenbumper, pt. 2
06-01-15, 01:45 PM
#31
Just wanted to throw this out to anyone interested but I recently had some difficulty finding a replacement "lower engine cover/skid cover/air dam" or whatever we're calling it. Turns out that for the 2nd gen LS-400 these things are hard to come by at a decent price. No luck on Made-in-China Inc. (ebay) and the local dealer did not stock the part but could order one for over $170.
So, I went back on ebay where I found several cheap ones available for the 95-97 LS400 and I took a chance and got one. Check out the side-by-side photo and you will see that they are nearly identical. When I did the install this weekend the only problem I had was having to drill 2 additional holes in the plastic because they did not align with holes in the underbody. That's it - thank you Taiwan!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...d=690732457022
So, I went back on ebay where I found several cheap ones available for the 95-97 LS400 and I took a chance and got one. Check out the side-by-side photo and you will see that they are nearly identical. When I did the install this weekend the only problem I had was having to drill 2 additional holes in the plastic because they did not align with holes in the underbody. That's it - thank you Taiwan!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...d=690732457022
02-03-16, 11:52 AM
#32
Coming back full circle
So a year or so after somewhat successfully modifying my front bumper I felt it was time to go back to the OE style. The main reason for this was because of the failure of my bondo body work (now bubbling out from under the vinyl wrap) and I couldn't stand to look at it anymore. Had I plasti-welded my creation perhaps it would have provided more durable use? Regardless, I was lucky to find a guy in my area who was parting out his '99 LS and I snagged the bumper for $100! My car is silver and though the donor bumper may look like a match - it was actually a greenish color.
Last edited by Hiroshi12; 02-03-16 at 12:14 PM.
02-03-16, 11:59 AM
#33
After some minor repairs an prep work (no bondo this time!) it was off to the vinyl shop to wrap once again. Here is the finished product with yellow fogs and freshly clear-coated side "dummy" lights. Moral of this story is: keep your OE bumper or just buy an aftermarket one. In the end it will be cheaper and less time consuming. 
Last edited by Hiroshi12; 02-03-16 at 12:14 PM.
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