E53 front bumper skid plate replicas

[Ricky Bobby]

Well, finally installed boys. Love the look and for me color matching was the right way to go. Ended up only costing $100 for paint.

I'm about 98% happy with fitment, but don't expect perfection because it's a replica and because of where it's mounted. I actually think the OE method of install might be better because the well nuts act as sort of a "washer" between the plate and the bumper, the way I have it with the self tapping screws just screwed down may be what gives me the TINIEST gap between the top 3 mounts. It was bad at first but I repositioned it a bit and it's almost non existent.

Note that these pictures are literally 6" away from the plate. If standing up or viewing the car any further everything looks perfect. I will add farther back pics when I pull the X out but I'm not going anywhere today and it's freezing out.













Overall I'm happy to have it on my X and feel it's a great standalone piece, I wish I got the OE one when it was available but this will do for 98-99% of the look/quality, thanks for doing this for us Mike.

[Clockwork]

RB it was my pleasure to see another board member with a smile on their face. And the fact that a few of you were able to purchase (and hopefully smile) makes me very satisfied.
Happy new year to all. my fiancé (officially wife in 2 months and 1 week) and I are just headed to Winter Wonderland dj festival in Anaheim now.
I'm glad I could help you guys out this year! Hope everyone is safe and I can help people out again in the new year!
Cheers y'all

[Jungerishere]

Looks good RB.

I'm very picky with imperfections. I filled and sanded down all the imperfections on my skid plate. Made the edges as straight as possible and test fitted many time to assure flush fitment. I just need to have it painted now. I'm going to attach Bishop tape (thick rubber tape) on the edges instead of 3M double-sided molding tape for better finished look.

[Ricky Bobby]

Can you send me a link to bishop tape? I'm willing to try it again but even after IPA wipe on the bumper the 3M tape didn't really stick at all.

[Clockwork]

The 3M tape on my factory plate was useless came off within seconds. Definitely not strong enough

[Ricky Bobby]

^bingo. Like I said I adjusted it and it's better I may wait till a free day and do some more adjusting till it's perfect. It's about 98% now

[Joshdub]

That looks pretty good for a replica. I want more pics!

[jcp240z]

Doesn't Bishops tape stay tacky? It may pickup and hold dirt in the crease which would be an issue in the long run.

[mam4.6]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

Well, finally installed boys. Love the look and for me color matching was the right way to go. Ended up only costing $100 for paint.

I'm about 98% happy with fitment, but don't expect perfection because it's a replica and because of where it's mounted. I actually think the OE method of install might be better because the well nuts act as sort of a "washer" between the plate and the bumper, the way I have it with the self tapping screws just screwed down may be what gives me the TINIEST gap between the top 3 mounts. It was bad at first but I repositioned it a bit and it's almost non existent.

Note that these pictures are literally 6" away from the plate. If standing up or viewing the car any further everything looks perfect. I will add farther back pics when I pull the X out but I'm not going anywhere today and it's freezing out.













Overall I'm happy to have it on my X and feel it's a great standalone piece, I wish I got the OE one when it was available but this will do for 98-99% of the look/quality, thanks for doing this for us Mike.

Lookin' sharp, J!! Love that color, not sure I've ever seen a picture of your X in it's entirety. Would love to see a couple..! (I love pics.)

[Jungerishere]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

Can you send me a link to bishop tape? I'm willing to try it again but even after IPA wipe on the bumper the 3M tape didn't really stick at all.

RB, I’m not using the Bishop tape to stick the two pieces together. I using it to fill the gap with clean seam line between the two panels. Bishop tape is not intended to bond two pieces together but is used to seal the two pieces together.

1.5" Bishop Tape - 10 ft. Roll