Well,

I just finished converting my front end to a 97+ style and I am pretty happy about the look. For those that are considering doing this here are a list of Do's and dont's

1. Don't get an aftermarket bumper, I found that certain things required some modification to fit properly (i.e. Clear corners, side mounts on bumper) etc. In genereal the fit isn't the greatest, but it works though. But I was going to do it again, I'd definately get an OEM

2. Don't get it prepainted. You're better off saving up and getting it painted while it is on the car so they can blend it. MY bumper looks a bit whiter then the car and it kinds sucks but I'll live with it. Maybe in the future I might just get in repainted, I'll see. anyone know if this will fade and match over time?

3. Do make sure you have a good few hours of time to do it. I started at about 7:00PM, and ended at midnight. I ran into some issues with some bolts that wouldn't budge. the point is you never know what can up up so make sure you have good time.

4. Do keep track all the nuts and bolts. This will save you some time in the long run.

5. Don't carry the bumper in a room that has a ceiling fan when you are moving it. I learned the hard way about this one.

If anyone else has anythign to add please feel free.

Kevin

 

I'm looking forward to doing this mod in the near future. Hopefully everything goes well.

 

pics? good job. I had bad experiences with non-OEM remanufactured front bumpers too. The fog light holes (I cut them out) don't line up perfectly, and one side fits the clear corners better than the other.

Anyway, about the 97+ front fascia, I would switch too, but I can't resist the beautiful and big 95-96 glass fog lamps.

 

Actially I neve was able to get my big fog lights to aim right on the old 95-96 style, that was part of why I switche too. Hopefully will get pics up real soon.

Kevinb

 

5. Don't carry the bumper in a room that has a ceiling fan when you are moving it. I learned the hard way about this one.


dude that is funny as ****, i know it sucks but i can just picture that now,hehehehehe

 

man, I was so ticked when htat happend. To god part is that it only left a tiny scuff, nothing to major.

 

So, does this mean that the fog lights don't line up perfectly when you do the conversion?

 

Would I be correct in assuming you got your bumper from eBay? I've been thinking about going for the prepainted aftermarket bumper too, but since our white Maximas have tricoat paint, they can't make it match (except maybe by blind luck) without having the rest of the car there to blend it. Of course then it gets hella expensive too. For people with other light colors (non-tricoat), the match should be better.

Also, I saw a post from someone a while back about his prepainted eBay bumper peeling. If you would be so kind, could you report back in about a month and mention if the paint is holding up?

 

KEVIN do you plan on adding 97+ fogs to your car?? if so will they just bolt in or do you need more mods to do this. I ask cause im seriously considering to do just the front end on my max. I also plan on installing 97+ fogs too, to replace my 96 fogs.

thanks,

Ant

 

Ant,

I did infact get the fogs and installed them at the same time. All you need is the foglights and the brackets that hold them in place.

Kevin

 

just and FYI.. no 97 - 98 bumpers match the cars color on the white maxima's..

i have double and tripple checked this at meets before.. so don't feel bad buddy.. we all have that problem..

 

Am I the only one that thinks the 95-96 front end looks better than the 97-99?

 

no you are not. i like the front on the 95-96 better than 97-99, but SOMETIMES i like the rear on the 97-99 better. my preference seems to change by the day. has anyone done just the rear on a 95-96 to a 97-99? if so, i'd appreciate some pics. thanks.

 

No, I do too. And Anthony I can't believe you're going to do that to us '95-'96 owners you have the model '95-'96 Max!
-Cyrus

 

I wouldn't change the front end if I were your. Yours looks really good, I think better than 97.

 

would u be willing to sell just driver side fog? i'll buy at half price of the combination. Let me know, thanks