Hey org

I had my previous fog light setup for over 4 years when both bulbs finally went. When going to pull out each fog light to get at the light socket easier the two front bolts that hold the light in place were so rusted the heads both twisted off and left the bolt stuck in the thread and then basically ruining both fog light brackets. This issue was consistent even to the 3 bolts holding the fog light brackets to the bumper reinforcement bar. Tried to unscrew, each bolts head twisted off killing off any chance of getting a new set of brackets with my current bumper reinforcement bar.

So I had the fun task of searching for a new bumper reinforcement bar with the fog light screw holes unaffected. Stopping by the local pull-a-part I stumbled on a 95SE that once in its life had previous front end damage that had been repaired by a shop (the Max was on the lot due to extensive damage to the rear). I stripped the front end down to the reinforcement bumper bar and noticed that it wasn't an OEM reinforcement but it was actually a much lighter weighing metal that had been cut custom made to fit the Maxima.

After removing my front end and pulling off my OEM reinforcement bumper bar I noticed that it was at least 30-40 pounds heavier than the one I got on the pull-a-part lot. Just wanted to show you guys my work today and what the lighter reinforcement bar looks like. Not sure if this is a step people take to make their front ends lighter for a small gas economy boost or to make their tuned Maximas lighter on the very front end. Either way I had a win win today getting a non rusted lighter bumper reinforcement and those fog brackets have never been more secure and in better condition. Cheers

 

Kind of off topic, but Maxima with a spot light looks kind of cool

 

FWIW matt, shoot your fog brackets with rust proof primer before putting back together, and use stainless bolts.

 

also has a bull horn

 

yeah thanks Brad I'll do that too.

 

max with the spotlight and the fish basket prop lol nice

 

Looks like your lower radiator support needs to be replaced too.

 

I know there is alot of threads on that. Is it something that can unbolt or do you need to cut metal and weld?

 

I'm not sure really. It's beyond something I can do, so when I get mine done it's going to a body shop.

 

did the fog lights line up perfect with the bumper cut out?

 

yeah. I have a GXE and cut the holes out on my own. I believe most maximas all come prewired for fog lights but only the SE's and some GLE's have fogs from factory. All bumper reinforcements have the holes for the fog brackets

 

looking through the search fields I saw some ****ing narly rad supports... then I checked mine and it doesn't look that bad. I know rust is cancer and it eventually spreads. but with 230K, original trans, the engine still running great, and 16 year old car I can't see myself getting involved in the process of swapping out that rad support. It just isn't that rusted

 

That magic lightweight bar is a factory nissan bumper. They started putting them in the newer 4th gens. It's aluminum. Wish more parts were aluminum.

 

cool! Great info man! That makes me feel much better about it. Much appreciated