Bumper shellz

Wanting to swap to the trd pro grill on my 2017 and delete some chrome. The front bumper caps look like a pita to remove, plus replacement painted ones are about $500. Anyone have any experience on long term use of the bumper shellz? My main concern is water/dirt being getting trapped between the shell and chrome and causing rust

 

These shellz haven't been around long enough for a "long term use" analysis. After installing them on mine, I don't see how you would get much water intrusion or entrapment behind these covers. I Can say I am very happy with them!

 

How easy is the install? Do they just snap on?

 

It's not hard, but it does take some time and patience. There is removal of some bolts, and then everything has to be really clean. You apply an adhesion promoter, and the bumper liners have a 3M tape product strategically placed. Peel off the backing, and then just carefully line everything up and press it against the bumper. Install a few bolts, and done.

 

I’ve had mine on the front and rear for five years.

Zero complaints, only compliments.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/chrome-delete-covers-for-tundra-bumpers-bumpershellz.33261/

 

Not a hard job to do in the front. Soak your 12mm and 10mm bolts below the caps with your favorite penetrating oil several times/days prior to removal.

If you have parking sensors that gets a little more fun, but not terrible to do. Expect a dimple in the shell where those go however. I even sanded down the little 'legs' on the white retainer and still see it. But I'm a touch anal retentive and it doesn't bother other owners.

 

You can eliminate the dimples by cutting off all but 1/4” of the clips “leg”.
The added thickness of the shell holds the sensors well.

 

i went so far to buy spare retaining clips so I could find out just how far I can go. Still not quite where I want them, but I did use the old clips and still have the new ones waiting if I ever decide to see how far I can really go. Was considering completely flat.

The issue as I see it is there's a small gap from the factory cap to the outside of the shellz. Unless you're going to mod it to where you move the whole thing out, I still think there will be a dimple. And FWIW, I went below 1/4"

Also, for clarity I'm not bashing the shellz, they fit a purpose. I am however still considering having the metal cap media blasted or acid dipped or whatever and then paint matched. But for sub $300 this works for me, for now

 

What’s the story on the bug?!

 

Hey Syncro!

That beetle is a 1960. It's my fourth- I had 66's and a 65 earlier in life and then 15 years ago, I caught the "bug" again.

I found this one cheap (by today standards) and spent two years pulling it apart, fixing, and putting it back together. Body/electric is all original- still 6v, all screw connectors for the wiring.

1960 was a big "one year only" year for the beetle, and I managed to keep all of it intact.

Originally "Jade Green" (think off-white) I decided to paint it my favorite early beetle color, Anthracite. I copied the 1962 format of Anthracite with red interior. I love it, but now 13 years later I sort of wish I had chosen a 1960 color- particularly the coral red. But it's my weekend/picnic/summer car, and these things are so fun to drive and tinker with.
This summer, I outfitted it with all LED lighting (minus the fog), and I installed rear pop outs.

 

Anyone have experience or issues with the shellz when parked out in the sun for long duration? Does it start to warp over time?

 

Parked in the sun and outside- no warping.

 

Very nice !

 

Beautiful! Looks amazing! I’ve been casually hunting for a pre-63/64 project. I’ve always had busses or water cooled vw’s so an early bug, ghia, or 356 is my next toy hopefully

 

Are you on thesamba?

If not, find your v-dub and get over there!

(or your Porsche)

 

Yes sir! I’ve been hanging out over there since 2005 but I’ve got a different handle.
Also used to be on VWVortex back in the day.

 

I would never use a cover. Just get replacement ones painted

 

Might be more expensive to paint as opposed to covered ones. Painting chrome is a bit more extensive work. I kinda look at the cover as an added layer of protection as well over my original piece.