Quote:
Originally Posted by fazer8
I'm looking at doing the 2014+ front end swap on my black 2011. I haven't been able to find a used bumper assembly to keep costs down, so I'm contemplating buying aftermarket parts. Since my 4R is black, I'm considering not painting the bumper to make it more affordable. I'm going to do a slimline hybrid too, so maybe a plain primed bumper wouldn't look out of place.
I'm curious if anyone has done something similar with a non-painted or non-color matched bumper? Pictures? (or even better, someone have a bumper assembly they'll part with)
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2 things regarding your idea: The aftermarket front and rear bumper covers that I've dealt with on Gen5's are all junk. Even the top-dollar CAPA ones don't fit properly, most notably at the edges where they meet the fenders/ quarters, and headlights/ tail lights. If you don't really care about it fitting perfectly, the aftermarket ones are fine if you're on a budget. I run an auto body shop and for the most part, every single time I need to replace a bumper cover on a Gen5 T4R, I end up getting an OEM one after arguing with the insurance company on why I don't like putting a/m ones on these trucks.
The other thing is if you just buy a black primed a/m bumper cover and stick it on there as-is, over time it will become chalky and lose it's dark black tone. It will be splotchy/ grayish and get dust on anything it touches due to UV rays and weather breaking down the primer.