# DIY: Rear Bumper Modification \*\*56K no-go\*\* **URL:** \ **Category:** Builds\ **Created:** [February 17, 2007, 5:05pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711 "2007-02-17T17:05:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![LAFENGAS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/lafengas/32/7573_2.png) [@LAFENGAS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LAFENGAS)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 5:05pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/1 "2007-02-17T17:05:04Z")
The issue. All e46’s have a high stance in the rear that even a drop can’t get rid of. I already molded my bumper a couple years ago and wanted to do something to lower the stance. After a couple photoshops, I compiled a game plan to change this issue and ultimately give the vehicle a much better stance. What i decided to do was lower the sides, with a slight taper to address the problem. It’s a subtle change, but it makes a HUGE difference. * * * Ultimately, i’m going to need to fill a gap. So to lessen the gap, I used some Carbon Fiber w/epoxy to Mold the orginal shape of the bumper. Also used some spray adhesive and cyran wrap to protect the bumper and act as a mold release for the Carbon Fiber, as seen here: ![http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm01.JPG](http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm01.JPG) One the CF has cured, i pulled it from the bumper and trimmed it up a bit. Using a piece of masking tape as a reference line, i used a razor blade to cut through the plastic. ![http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm02.JPG](http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm02.JPG) Now I place the CF piece i made earlier and use it as a backing. This will give me something solid to bond to, as well as limit the ammount of body filler to smooth the gap. Using some high strength adhesive, I mount the CF Piece. The adhesive sets and 30mins, but doesn’t fully cure until 24hrs. So this is where i left off: ![http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm03.JPG](http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm03.JPG) Here you can see why i made the backing piece and see just how much of an adjustment i’m making with the bumper. ![http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm04.JPG](http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm04.JPG) adhered and clamped in place: ![http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm05.JPG](http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm05.JPG) Next Steps will be to adhere the adjusted bumper section to the CF Panel, Form/adjust the wheel arch to match the existing arch, and adjust the exhaust cutouts accordingly. As it sits, it’s about 1-1/4" lower at the exhaust end and 2-3/4" at the wheel arch. here i mixed some small pieces Carbon Fiber to “fiberglass jelly”, this makes the bondo more strong, resistant to cracking, and a bit more flexable. ![http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm06.JPG](http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm06.JPG) As a result of adding the tiny fibers, it makes the bondo much more thick and bumpy so i use this only as the main base filler. ![http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm07.JPG](http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm07.JPG) using no CF Filler in the same “fiberglass jelly” makes a much smoother surface. This is the way it sits right now. I’ll sand this down a bit, then use a finishing putty which is real fine. ![http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm08.JPG](http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm08.JPG) made a temporary mold for the exhuast openings using some screen and duct tape. This just gives me the shape i want so i can lay the carbon fiber into it while it cures ![http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm11.JPG](http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm11.JPG) ![http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm12.JPG](http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm12.JPG) Done for the most part, just need to round some edges and tweek it, but it’s primed and ready for paint: ![http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm13.JPG](http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm13.JPG) ![http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm14.JPG](http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm14.JPG) ![http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm15.JPG](http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm15.JPG) ![http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm16.JPG](http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm16.JPG) to complete the fabrication of the bumper modification, I formed a Spacer that will help space out the bottom of the bumper between my exhaust tips. This will also help make the bumper more rigid and prevent any unwanted flex in the bumper while driving. Basically, what i wanted to do was pull the bottom of the bumper down more than it was previously, so it would more closely match the angle of what I had cut and extended on the sides. This should avoid anything from looking awkward having only modified the outter sides of the bumper. Molded a spacer. Here it is clamped and curing (yes, more CF): ![http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm17.JPG](http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm17.JPG) Freshly pulled from the mold: ![http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm18.JPG](http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm18.JPG) And Lastley, I used some adhesive and clamped it between the OEM bumper and my ACS Rear Add-on, spacing the section out about a 1/2" more than it was previously: ( I just realized, if you look closely, in the bottom right of this picture, you can see the old CF spacer and the difference between the two) ![http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm19.JPG](http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/DIY_rbm19.JPG) My next set of pictures should be all done and painted. I’ll try getting to that early this coming week. Hope this DIY process helps those who want to know what I consider the proper technique wit addressing similar body work. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![05OrangeSS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/0/eada6e/32.png) [@05OrangeSS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/05OrangeSS)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 5:08pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/2 "2007-02-17T17:08:24Z")
pretty baller ---
**Author:** ![Willybeen](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/willybeen/32/7351_2.png) [@Willybeen](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Willybeen)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 5:10pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/3 "2007-02-17T17:10:34Z")
very nice as always… in for the final pics ---
**Author:** ![Justin](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/justin/32/7459_2.png) [@Justin](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Justin)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 5:11pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/4 "2007-02-17T17:11:25Z")
Nice, as always :tup: ---
**Author:** ![2TurboZ](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/2turboz/32/7577_2.png) [@2TurboZ](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/2TurboZ)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 5:22pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/5 "2007-02-17T17:22:24Z")
you so crazy…I think you could have my baby ---
**Author:** ![audios](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c4cdca/32.png) [@audios](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/audios)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 5:45pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/6 "2007-02-17T17:45:21Z")
[quote=“2TurboZ,post:5,topic:24711"”] you so crazy…I think you could have my baby [/quote] lol at least someone is coming up with different replies to joshs DIY’s coming up with a complimentary response to joshs sweet DIY threads is like trying to come up with a new response to any of the happy birthday threads posted here. without further delay: nice josh, sweet as usual ---
**Author:** ![2TurboZ](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/2turboz/32/7577_2.png) [@2TurboZ](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/2TurboZ)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 6:01pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/7 "2007-02-17T18:01:17Z")
I love you Joe…WINGMANNNNNNNN!!! ---
**Author:** ![LAFENGAS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/lafengas/32/7573_2.png) [@LAFENGAS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LAFENGAS)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 6:05pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/8 "2007-02-17T18:05:42Z")
As an FYI… I post these DIY’s to help others who try to attempt similar projects. So please don’t PM me asking me to do your bodywork. … and thanks. ---
**Author:** ![psphinx81](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e9a140/32.png) [@psphinx81](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/psphinx81)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 6:07pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/9 "2007-02-17T18:07:24Z")
:tup: ---
**Author:** ![Anonymity](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/anonymity/32/7215_2.png) [@Anonymity](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Anonymity)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2007, 5:44am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/10 "2007-02-18T05:44:52Z")
so you got my PM about doing my body work… in every DIY thread i find out more and more about you, 1. uses rigid drill 2. uses “monster” energy drinks 3. likes old stoves 4. uses irwin clamps 5. what is the deal with the wooden banana? and some other misc. stuff but i dont wank to tell you. ---
**Author:** ![87FOXGT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/8/ecd19e/32.png) [@87FOXGT](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/87FOXGT)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2007, 5:48am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/11 "2007-02-18T05:48:39Z")
not that impressed really, waste of time. bad thread, would not read again, wish i could have my 5 minutes back. definitely dont update anymore :tdown: mods close this. i had to be different 😃 fucking badass as usual. ugh, cant wait to see the finished goods ---
**Author:** ![MPD47](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mpd47/32/7383_2.png) [@MPD47](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/MPD47)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2007, 6:49am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/12 "2007-02-18T06:49:20Z")
Looks great josh :tup: ---
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2007, 6:51am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/13 "2007-02-18T06:51:03Z")
i think lafengas and I could build the ultimate car. ---
**Author:** ![Bucker](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bucker/32/7379_2.png) [@Bucker](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Bucker)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2007, 6:51am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/14 "2007-02-18T06:51:43Z")
[quote=“newman,post:13,topic:24711"”] i think lafengas and I could build the ultimate car. [/quote] Well fucking do it already! ---
**Author:** ![JaysGreenLX](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jaysgreenlx/32/7321_2.png) [@JaysGreenLX](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JaysGreenLX)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2007, 7:33am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/15 "2007-02-18T07:33:02Z")
Saw this over on E46fanatics. Nice work as usual. ---
**Author:** ![POOPRA](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/poopra/32/7188_2.png) [@POOPRA](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/POOPRA)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 4:27am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/16 "2007-02-19T04:27:31Z")
Nice work again josh ---
**Author:** ![Dex](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/dex/32/7210_2.png) [@Dex](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Dex)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 7:00am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/17 "2007-02-19T07:00:58Z")
:tup: where did you learn these skills? and in for updates. ---
**Author:** ![boardjnky4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@boardjnky4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/boardjnky4)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 7:48am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/18 "2007-02-19T07:48:06Z")
damn man, ur appearance mods are amazing. theyre all subtle and tasteful and not to mention formed with CF. this one was a great idea. cant wait to see it finished ---
**Author:** ![STEALTTH](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/stealtth/32/7582_2.png) [@STEALTTH](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/STEALTTH)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 7:51am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/19 "2007-02-19T07:51:58Z")
oh the envy… can’t wait to see this thing all put together…:tup: :tup: ---
**Author:** ![Viper966](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/viper966/32/7268_2.png) [@Viper966](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Viper966)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 7:58am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711/20 "2007-02-19T07:58:06Z")
lets see the photoshops [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-rear-bumper-modification-56k-no-go/24711.md?page=2)