Base 350z vs Nismo Bumper
 

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum; I recently bought an '06 base 350z. Its in great condition besides the front bumper. I'm looking to buy one (already made a thread in WTB) and I've narrowed down to only buying OEM for ease of installation.

My options are to buy the stock bumper and install it myself or to upgrade to a Nismo bumper (probably V2 or V3), get it painted and hopefully install it myself.

My questions are - Have any of you done this installation without a body shop and what problems can I expect to run into?

Is there a better place for me to buy a used bumper than my350z or eBay?

Do you have any advice for a DIY front bumper installation?

Thanks, I hope I posted in the correct section so I don't get :gotowned:

Do not go to eBay for a bumper. You will regret that.

If you like the nismo v3, then I suggest you take a look at the N3R bumper offered by KBD/APTech, who is a sponsor on this forum. The N3R is similar to the nismo and is a very strong and well fitting bumper. Its easy to install yourself, but you will need a body shop to prep and paint the bumper

Thanks Craig the N3R looks sick! If I could find one for a good price, knowing I would only need it sanded and painted I would go for it.

You can do it yourself, but if you actually need it for your car in a timely manner you might want to leave it for a professional. Ive been working on my "replacement" bumper on and off for the last 9 months.

Dboyz, what year is your Z and which bumper in specific are you self-installing? What problems have you run into with this installation?

R&R of a Z front bumper fascia is about a 1 hour job - the first time. Once you've done it, you can probably do it in 20 mins or less.

However, as others have pointed out, the prep and paint is what takes up all the time. If you're a decent body guy, doesn't take too much to get it ready to shoot.... skim and sand is pretty much all (I think I left out a step... to prep it for an elastomeric finish... don't recall what that is though. Obviously, I don't put myself into the "decent body guy" category. But I have a guy who I DO put in that category. ;))

Another thing, however, that takes up some time (on a brand new fascia) to make sure it's done right, is drilling the mounting holes properly. Again, not a big deal but you don't want to rush it because if you don't put the holes in juuuuust the right place, fit starts to get a little sloppy.

And be aware, many (dare I say "most"? Dunno....) - particularly the cheapie ones on Fleabay - are NOT pre-drilled.

Personally, I like the clean lines of the OEM fascia with maybe a subtle lip to personalize it; but, that said, I also have an aftermarket fascia that I picked up recently to experiment with when I finally get some time to get into my 2017 front end project.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....e988b66e64.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....4c94338d4b.jpg

If you go OEM, there's a lot of sources and they seem to run about $350 for brand new Nissan OEM part... pre-drilled, ready for paint and install.

http://www.courtesyparts.com/nissan/...e=bumper-cover

I have an 04... And the problems I run into is I have a million different projects and not enough time or warm weather.

Working on an oem bumper.


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....6ddff6b85d.jpg

I purchased an OEM bumper off Amazon for $190 (free shipping). Holes drilled, fitment is perfect. Just needs a quick sand and paint. There were a few different ones. Make sure you ask them if it is pre drilled if you decide to go this route.