zryork

So this past Sunday, I was cut off on the interstate and suffered some pretty deep cosmetic damage. The upside? I now have an excuse to upgrade my headlights and grill! Anything I should look out for when searching for aftermarket bumper covers, grills, emblems, etc?

Thankfully my wheels and tires weren't touched! Just fender, bumper and headlight damage.

kevin3344

You can source most of the parts on eBay...just be sure to purchase from reputable sellers. Remove everything carefully to make sure there are no pieces / clips / fasteners that you are missing. When you put everything back together, don't tighten it just yet. You need to make sure all the gaps between the hood and grill, headlight and hood line up (from your photo it looks like the fender has been pushed in a little). Hopefully it will all go back together and you won't need help from a body shop...but don't hesitate if you need professional help. Sometimes you don't see some damage until you have everything apart.

kevin3344

I forgot the headlight..you're gonna need that. Don't forget to get the correct one. HID, Auto-leveling if you have it, etc.

xxmariolxx

To me it sounds more like he wants to do updates to the looks as in newer styled headlights (cheaper too) not sure if he's talking about a 3IS grill/bumper or what. For lights I'd go aftermarket and get them cheap.

kevin3344

Good points. After market will definitely be cheaper.

I also forgot the bumper bracket(s) - see below. Again, the key is to take your time and don't rush...since the passenger side is intact you can use that as a guide. While you're in there be sure the washer fluid reservoir doesn't leak, the fog light bulb isn't blown, radiator hoses are tight, etc. You'd be surprised the damage a seemingly minor accident can cause. You also might want to pull off the engine shield underneath and make sure everything is good there as well.

Your grill looks ok but like you said if you want to upgrade now is the time.

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

A bit more cost but perhaps consider F-Sport or 3IS update?

Mike_1GO

iTrader: (2)

if you consider 3IS update, the gap between the edge of the hood and bumper get noticeably larger. unsightly IMO.. i actually prefer the 2IS convertible front bumper swap but I'm unsure if you'll be able to reuse your front underbody panel.

zryork

Thanks for all the input, guys! I ordered a replacement bumper, fender and bumper brace, so those should be coming in in the next few weeks. I bought the VLAND headlights and tail lights (sold as a bundle on eBay). The tails are in and installed, but I'm waiting for the headlights until after the Chinese new year. I ordered an IS-F styled grille to go in the stock bumper, and I think I'm going to call that good for now. The 3IS conversion bumpers just didn't seem worth it by the time I paid to have it painted and then fiddled with getting it to fit properly.

MikeyK02

iTrader: (7)

Damn, I've got the fender and front bumper in Obsidian to, that I'm about to part out.

mandyfig

Nice tails! Good combo deal, how much did that set you back?

xxmariolxx

Vland taillights make the car look so much newer. It's a must for all 2IS IMO. One of the first things I did to mine I want to do the headlights as well but herd of some weird issues with aftermarket ballasts causing some crazy steering issues. So I haven't pulled the trigger yet

zryork

zryork

kevin3344

That actually looks pretty good. See if you can get a pair of vice grips on the screws...doesn't matter how you get them off since the bumper has to come off anyway!

zryork