|
|
03-15-2018, 11:36 PM | #1 |
Brigadier General
5716
Rep 4,209
Posts
Drives: '13 F10 M5 | '15 F15 X5
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Seattle, WA
|
DIY Front Bumper Plugs
Hello!
I recently was given a front license plate tow hook from a friend that didn't want to use it so I figured perfect time to do a front plate "delete". I installed the tow hook plate and finally got it to work with the front motion sensors. Then came time to fill in the holes . For some wonderful reason, my car had 6 holes; 4 for the frame and 2 additional ones from the dealer using super long screws for the plate. I looked at options online and it was like ~$25.00 per two plugs. So I went ahead and made my own. What you need - Color matching paint (preferred from the dealer) - # of retainer that you need to us (for me it was 6) - A drill (I used a 1/4 inch drill bit but size may vary based on what size retainer purchased) Process: 1) Purchase the correct retainer and the correct amount. I was able to get mine at McLandon Hardware store but most stores have them. They were super cheap so I recommend buying 2 or 3 extra just in case. 2) Painting the retainers. I used an old foam board to keep the retainers up while I painted them. I did the following method for painting: - 3 base color coats (20 mins drying period between them) - 3 clear coats (1 hr drying period between them) - Let them sit overnight at-least before installing 3) Lastly, time to install the plugs. Clean the front bumper. Test to see if the retainer will fit in to the holes left by the plate/plate holder. Mine didn't so I had to make the hole a little bigger. I started with 1/8 bit and worked my way up to 1/4 inch. Please be cautions when doing so or else you can crack your clear coat/paint. I also had to cut the retainer from the back on two of them (top inside ones) so that the face would sit flush with the bumper. Final result: I hope this helps. Pretty easy modification. Feel free to leave feedback or ask questions I'll try to answer. Thanks for reading, Last edited by Ickdeep; 03-17-2018 at 05:12 PM.. |
03-16-2018, 04:06 PM | #2 | |
Enlisted Member
17
Rep 49
Posts |
Quote:
On my things to do list, and this will help! Thanks! |
|
Appreciate
1
Ickdeep5715.50 |
03-17-2018, 05:12 PM | #3 |
Brigadier General
5716
Rep 4,209
Posts
Drives: '13 F10 M5 | '15 F15 X5
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Seattle, WA
|
Updated photo:
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-09-2018, 08:22 AM | #4 |
New Member
0
Rep 7
Posts
Drives: 2013 528i
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Bahrain
|
cool mod I liked it
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-04-2019, 10:55 AM | #6 |
Brigadier General
5716
Rep 4,209
Posts
Drives: '13 F10 M5 | '15 F15 X5
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Seattle, WA
|
They held up well. I sold the car like December 2018 and picked up a M5.
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-04-2019, 03:13 PM | #7 |
Private First Class
55
Rep 196
Posts |
I found some nice fasteners at Lowe's a little smaller actually. Do you think clearcoat white spray paint would hold up?
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-04-2019, 06:25 PM | #8 | |
Brigadier General
5716
Rep 4,209
Posts
Drives: '13 F10 M5 | '15 F15 X5
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Seattle, WA
|
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-04-2019, 10:47 PM | #9 | |||||
Private First Class
55
Rep 196
Posts |
Quote:
|
|||||
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|