Used 02+ Front Bumper, NA2 bumper for NA1?

[MvM]

I like the look of the NA2-style bumper very much. Somehow, even with the old style pop-up headlights. it makes the NSX looks much more modern.

As far as the European style washer are concerned, I would not worry about this. To fit these, all you need is the two holes were you put the washers in and the space behind it to get the tube for the water to connect and that's it.

However, I was concerned about the material from which this NA2-style bumper is going to be made. Will it be able to absorb small bumps without sustaining damage as well as the OEM one ?? I had a car backin up into my front bumper about two weeks ago. There were some slight scratches on the paint (now polished out again) but the bumper itself did not sustain any damage.
It would be nice to know that this bumper would be able to do the same.

 

[nathan]

This is very exciting. I too am interested in purchasing this bumper.

Please keep us informed, and put up final pictures as soon as you get them.

Thanks,
Nathan

 

[Supercar]

Mike? Any pics yet? The suspense is killing me

 

[my1stnsx]

The suspense is killing me

I agree!!!

 

[Senninha]

However, I was concerned about the material from which this NA2-style bumper is going to be made. Will it be able to absorb small bumps without sustaining damage as well as the OEM one ??

Excellent question! Mike, can you advise what your plans are regarding manufacture and materials please? Also, will it reuse the inner foam from the OEM bumper?

Also, show us some pictures pleeeeease :smile:

regards

Paul

 

[Ascended Sayian]

Definately interested in Front Bumper - any ETA?

need to see pics of side skirts

 

[MikeC_587]

However, I was concerned about the material from which this NA2-style bumper is going to be made. Will it be able to absorb small bumps without sustaining damage as well as the OEM one ??

The material that will be used to make the bumper IS NOT the same as OEM, it will be made from fiberglass. As you know fiberglass does not have the same properties as the OEM material.

Also, will it reuse the inner foam from the OEM bumper?l

Because its a 02+ style bumper, we are un-sure if the foam from the pre-02 bumper is an exact fit. We will keep you updated as we progress.

To All who have shown an interest in my project:

I do appreaciate the interest and support and like I said if there is enough interest we will move forward and take the next step to produce copies of my bumper. At this time the custom work on the Downforce hood will hopefully begin this week as the guys just finished the custom work on the Stacy's sideskirts and front lip. The rest of the body has been prep for paint and as soon as the hood is done, then the NSX will be painted. I'm guessing paint will be done before Christmas (but don't hold me to the fire on this).

Mike

 

[nsxhk]

Mike, maybe you can start a groupbuy list. How many do you need to start the run?

Henry.

 

[MvM]

The material that will be used to make the bumper IS NOT the same as OEM, it will be made from fiberglass. As you know fiberglass does not have the same properties as the OEM material.
Mike

So, if I understand you correctly, the new bumper will just crack when it will hit something or is it by something else ??

To be honest, I have absolutely NO experience with fiberglass bodywork but I have seen it on other cars. From what I have seen, it looks like fiberglass bodywork is pretty hard and will crack and/or fracture when hit. This would lead to a damaged bumper that would need fiberglass repair when hit even at low (say... parking) speeds.
Also, I am a little worried that the force might be directly transmitted to the left or right front fender and damage (bulge) those as well and we all now how expensive these parts are.
I sure like the look of the 02 bumper style but it would be nice to know that it would be able to withstand parking-speeds style hits and bumps.

 

[Frank Oles]

Well, the nice thing about this bumper is that you can retain the factory front lip/splitter, which is plastic (at least it appears you will be able to). So if you hit something or scrape, you are sacrificing a sub-$100 part instead of the whole bumper.

Urethane, although more impact resistant than fiberglass, does tend to warp/distort in the hot sun. Fiberglass does have some flex - the problem is that the standard paint that is often used on fiberglass bumpers does not flex, and hence chips off when impacted. Maybe consider adding a little flex-additive to the paint?

I have seen fiberglass bumpers marked by companies (like VIS I think) that claim to use "blue class" fiberglass that supposedly resists cracking better, but I personally have no experience with that product.

One possible option would be to make this bumper two part like the OEM, so that you could use fiberglass for the top part with the turn signals (the part that is custom molded) and attach/bolt that to the OEM 02 lower front bumper (which is urethane - that is the part that takes most of the hits anyway).

If you were really concerned, I'm sure you could take this bumper (when it is finished, if offered for sale), cut it into the two sections, and epoxy a mounting flange to accept/bolt on the OEM lower urethane valence.

But I think if you stick with the factory plastic lip, that will take most of the abuse. For me, that is what is most appealing about this bumper - most aftermarket NSX bumpers won't accept the factory lip, so if you scrape, the actual bumper is taking the abuse. At least you have some protection with a plastic lip on there. I can't wait to see the finished product!

 

[Senninha]

One possible option would be to make this bumper two part like the OEM, so that you could use fiberglass for the top part with the turn signals (the part that is custom molded) and attach/bolt that to the OEM 02 lower front bumper

I still like this idea if it would be possible, appreciate it may be more work. However, I think the benefits would be the ability to replace as two seperate parts if damaged and also it would more closely mimic the OEM look by being a two part plus OEM lip.

Very keen to see the end results ... when can we expect photo's Mike?

regards

Paul

 

[thouchin]

If the options are to have a heavy, saggy bumper made out of plastic so you can bump into things OR to have a light fiberglass bumper that does not sag. Ill take the fiberglass.

This is pretty much a moot point because I suspect the tooling involved in producing a plastic bumper would be way too expensive.

I would also much prefer to have a one peice design. Seems are heavy.

T.J.

 

[Ruddyduck]

Everyone makes good points about the pros and cons of poly vs. glass. Either way, if it happens, I'm in for one!! On a visual scale it's a 10 in my book no matter the material used....

 

[KooLaid]

Check this out, ever heard of "Erebuni"(?)

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81163

I REALLY want this but..... it makes me want to do the complete 02+ upgrade instead if I bought it! LoL. Can't get enough ya know..... addiction, obession..........

It looks GOOD!

 

[PhiAlpha44]

Go ahead and put me down for one of those front bumpers. Has anyone mentioned a possible price yet?

Thanks

 

[NSX PTY]

wowww, this is what i was waiting for...

i was about to send my car to do a complete paint job, i'm have Procar NA1 NSX-R hood (02 look for pop-ups) and Stacy's SS. Just needing 02 rear valence and THIS front bumper.

any updates ??

thx

 

[Paul Days]

Marvelous, a true work of art!


Paul

 

[Senninha]

***(Looks at watch, sees date)***

***(Thinks: "Hmm, wonder how the NA1/NA2 Front end must be at this date?")***

Hi Mike,

Any further news? Hopefully just finishing touches before the big reveal and not problems with fit/installation.

regards

Paul

 

[Paul Days]

(***Thinks, 'Is my watch stopped?'***)

 

[PhiAlpha44]

I was curious where this was going as well.

 

[dmeriel]

Hello Mike,

I'm interested in this type of conversion, can't wait for the pics!
Thanks,
Dennis

Here is my project that is currently in process where a TAITEC Tracy Sports 2002 Factory Style Bumper has been converted to fit an NA1 with factory turn signals. Once the project is completed (scheduled for late October 2006) we will consider having it re-produced if there is adequate interest.

Mike

 

[Paul Days]

If this bumper will be HALF as good as it looks it would be a hot item.

 

[diverseasyn]

ill be interested in this as well

 

[DASHNBY]

any pics?

 

[DASHNBY]

Curious, is there a different thread displaying the final pictures?