E53 front bumper skid plate replicas - Page 44

SMUUUUUV · #**431** 10-31-2014, 05:02 PM

Installed mine today, 90% satisfied. There is a bit of "gapping" on the drivers side and a little less gapping on the passenger side. I guess thats why the OEM's are so rigid.

I used self tapping screws for the 3 mounting points up front. Also used black license plate bolt caps to cover the screws.

I used this 3m Plastic metal for the 5 rear bolts to help secure them a little better.

I will update tomorrow I guess with the full look if I can get some sun. Its overcast here in NY and since its black it wouldnt show up so well in a pic. Overall I'm happy. It looks awesome as it is. Dont think I'm going to have it painted. If I put my titanium grills back in maybe. But with the black grills it looks real rugged... Thanks again Clockwork....

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Clockwork · #**432** 10-31-2014, 05:41 PM

INSTALL TIP:
as a recommendation, I'd screw the bottom 5 tabs on first and THEN hold the top of the plate onto the x5 and insert the center screw first to create a starting point.
From there, press in on the left or right half of the skid plate to conform the plate body to the bumper and then screw the end in
Then do the same for the other end. this way it gets rid of any "wave"/gap that can form.

remember as soon as you make the hole for the screw into the bumper, there is no changing that mounting hole, so I'd suggest you test fit and press to fully see how the plate will sit when you have the screws in.

SMUUUUUV · #**433** 10-31-2014, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clockwork

INSTALL TIP:
as a recommendation, I'd screw the bottom 5 tabs on first and THEN hold the top of the plate onto the x5 and insert the center screw first to create a starting point.
From there, press in on the left or right half of the skid plate to conform the plate body to the bumper and then screw the end in
Then do the same for the other end. this way it gets rid of any "wave"/gap that can form.

remember as soon as you make the hole for the screw into the bumper, there is no changing that mounting hole, so I'd suggest you test fit and press to fully see how the plate will sit when you have the screws in.

Thats what I did. This aint my first "Rodeo" clockwork.

It's fine the gap doesnt bother me that much.

Clockwork · #**434** 10-31-2014, 06:18 PM

dang, well sorry to hear bout the gap.
but glad you're mostly happy with your plate

Ricky Bobby · #**435** 10-31-2014, 06:41 PM

You could put a little urethane windshield adhesive or some 3m double stick tape on the top edge of the skid plate in order to alleviate any "gapping" issues. The oem plate can suffer from the same thing.

I'm going to do a test fit once I get it back from paint and if needed I will lay a bead of adhesive on the top edge to secure it flush with the bumper. Left to cure overnight and pressed against the plate it should have no issues

SMUUUUUV · #**436** 10-31-2014, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clockwork

dang, well sorry to hear bout the gap.
but glad you're mostly happy with your plate

Yeah... It looks awesome....

SMUUUUUV · #**437** 10-31-2014, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

You could put a little urethane windshield adhesive or some 3m double stick tape on the top edge of the skid plate in order to alleviate any "gapping" issues. The oem plate can suffer from the same thing.

I'm going to do a test fit once I get it back from paint and if needed I will lay a bead of adhesive on the top edge to secure it flush with the bumper. Left to cure overnight and pressed against the plate it should have no issues

If you encounter the same situation I did and fixed it, please let me know.Thx

Ricky Bobby · #**438** 10-31-2014, 07:10 PM

2 ways to fix it.

Very thin double sided tape on top edge (I think smallest 3m makes is 5mm wide), or a bead of windshield urethane adhesive, then reinstall plate, screw in top 3 mounts, and press/tape the top edge in place for 24 hours while it cures.

Either way should solve it. You won't need to remove the plate anyway as you can remove the bumper with it installed.

Try it out and let me know, I won't have mine back till next week, you can get the 3m tape or windshield urethane (black) from AutoZone, Advance, pep boys, etc....

Ricky Bobby · #**439** 10-31-2014, 08:05 PM

Also just want to add, the OE plate does use 3m automotive tape on the leading edge. I would try that first as it's less messy, just be sure to use 3m VHB tape (very high bond) and prep the area and plate properly.

Ricky Bobby · #**440** 11-04-2014, 11:43 AM

UPDATE:

I found 3M 5952 VHB (Very High Bond) tape in .125in (3.3mm) and 5mm thickness on Amazon/Ebay, placing a line of tape on the top edge and pressing into place after wiping down the bumper area with IPA should alleviate any sagging issues. This is the way the OE plate installs. Still waiting on mine back from paint, I have the bottom 5 bolts painted gloss black and rust removed, and getting 3 self tapping screws and black bolt covers for the top ones. If I have to get a 5 yd roll of this stuff I will definitely have some left over if anyone needs some.

TapeCase VHB 5952 0.125in x 5yd Roll Adhesive Tapes, 45 mil (1.1mm) Thick: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

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