1) I am gettin this done at a body shop and he was wondering if the 97' bumper cover just fits right over the existing bumper (well when the 96' bumper is off of course) or does the Foam have to be fabricated alittle ?? Does it fit good on there ??

2) I have the fogs on my 96' and when I got to purcahse new fogs for the 97' bumper will I have to get all new brackets and stuff or just the light itself ?? Cause I know the 97' fogs are alittle smaller

Thanks
-Matt

 

1) I am gettin this done at a body shop and he was wondering if the 97' bumper cover just fits right over the existing bumper (well when the 96' bumper is off of course) or does the Foam have to be fabricated alittle ?? Does it fit good on there ??

**** Styrofoam (sp.?) is 100% fit. Bumper won't fit 100%. Almost but, there is one problem area (I am telling you this because when I asked the question(s) you are asking, everyone told me it was a direct bolt-on, which I didn't appreciate). It is directly below the outer legs on the grill. You have two choices. Cut a 1"x1" square out of the '97 bumper cover or remove the protruding metal on the bumper. You'll see what I mean when you test fit it. Either way, it's no big deal. I just wanted to warn you. Oh, and you will need parts off your old bumper, for some reason the new bumper doesn't come with all the needed hardware.



2) I have the fogs on my 96' and when I got to purcahse new fogs for the 97' bumper will I have to get all new brackets and stuff or just the light itself ?? Cause I know the 97' fogs are alittle smaller

**** Yes you will need new mounting brackets but they will come with the new foglights. All the wiring and steering staulk are the same.



Thanks
**** You're welc.

-Matt

 

Just a little FYI the side lamp conversion is not that straigt forward either. The 97 side lamps have a different connector than my 95s...

 

Really? Mine fit right on...

 

Hrmm maybe I was sold the wrong ones I'll take a look on the tomorrow.

 

What part are you talking about? The actual electrical connection? Actually, now that I think about it, my '96 ball-in-socket was a smidge better/tighter than my '97. So I did take the old "ball" from my '96s. Is that what you mean?

Also, we should clarify for matty that he doesn't NEED new headlights and/or clearance lights for the conversion. Just nice.

 

I Dont know yet cause when I put in the New 97 bumper I have to buy brand new fogs and I dont think my SMX grille will match up to the 97 bumper ?? Does anyone know the difference in the top part of where the grille comes down onto the bumper and why my 96' SMX grille wont fit ?? or will it ??

I have to know by tomorrow if I want to get a new 96' bumper or new 97' ?? Please help

-Matt

 

Yes, you will have to buy new fogs (I think. They may possible physically fit but they shape won't look right). As for the grill,it will fit. But it will have exactly a 1" gap below the outer grill legs and the top of the bumper cover. You can do what I plan on doing and have your shop extend your SMX legs by 1". Good luck.

 

To all who did the conversion, is it possible to do it yourself. If not aroun how much in total did it cost. I need to remind you that I have little experience, so I doubt I could do it myself. But I'm definitely looking into it, if the price is right, Thanks!

 

Its relatively simple you need the correct tools though. Talk to your body shop first. Some will remove the bumper off the body to paint it others wont. If they remove it off the body then they are going to charge you for labor so its no use doing it yourself.

The places I talked to wanted to charge about 3.5 hours for labor to do the bumper swap. Basically you need to jack you your car take off the rims remove the wheel wells take of headlights/fogs then remove the screws that attach the fender to the bumper (re-attaching this was a b|tch for me). Took me about 5 hours totally and thats because we had to be careful because the body was sliding whenever we jacked it up.

As long as you are doing the 97 conversion + painting you might as well buy the stillen front skirt costs about $180 or so. Check the avalon racing website.

That being said why not wait for the Skyline bodykit instead? The whole kit is about $735 shipped and its basically a full front and rear bumper replacement along with side skirts. You could sell the bumpers for a decent price. Try avoiding the Sorona front bumper, it looks the best but it has major fitment issues it also gets damaged really easily.

 

Yes possible to do yourself. Easy. Except for the painting of course. But why are you asking if you have a '99?

 

Do you guys know if a 97-99 trunk lid will fit if I still have the 95-96 rear bumper? I'm done with the front conversion and now doing the rear. I rather not have to buy another rear bumper if the 97-99 trunk lid can fit. Thanks.

 

You're golden kid.

 

So I'm good to go or what?

 

Ha-ha. I said your Golden!

Where did you get a '97 trunklid?

 

I'm going to get it from Extreme Nissan here in Louisiana. They have excellent pricing. Check out my post in the dealer/shop experience forum. Cost will be about $280, don't remember the exact number. A heck of a dealer for a brand new trunk lid.

 

Cool, good for you cuma. What are you doing about taillights? You better shave the keyhole or I am going to fly out there, get you in a headlock and give you a noogy until my knuckles bleed!!!

 

Oh sorry, the 99 is just my sn for aim and email. so I kept it for the org also. My max is a 95, but thanks for all the help guys.

 

I already bought a set of used red/clear tails from someone. Although they are not in great condition, they'll have to do. as far as the keyhole, I don't know. I want to get rid of it, but just not sure about the bondo stuff. Plus, it isn't cheap either to have the keyhole shaven. I'll have to check around first.

 

What consist of the bumper conversion do the the head light asspemblies come with it and where did you get it from nissan?

 

That's a run-on sentence.

 

Thanks I managed to shove the damn thing in I had to remove the bottom bolt off the left side 97 headlights the right fit in perfectly?????

Get the new Skyline body kit!!! Otherwise yes you can get the front bumper from your local Nissan dealer. All other parts come seperately. Headlamps can also be bought from them but its not necessary. The 95s fit in just fine though the 97s do look 10X better.

In my opinion your better off chaning the 97 headlights first and re-wiring the corners to be much brighter. Its something more noticeable than a bumper change.

 

i can show u a 97-99 front on a 95 in person

 

I'd love to see it RedMax95. Does it have to be in a meet, or can we do like an informal get-togher-car-talk kinda thing? I go to school, and I'm working this Sat afternoon. I'm free friday night and sat morning. Thanks man. Peace.

 

Where can i get a smx grille

 

What does the front bumper swap consist of? Does it include the grille and does anyone know where i can get 97-99 headlights other than straight from nissan?

 

carlamps.com
also it doesnt matter to me, im workin 9-3 on saturday and will be out of town friday, but whenever we get a chance you can take a look, we'll probably have that one the weekend after this, if its during the day i will probably be there, or if its sunday night ill be available