2012+ Bumper/Grill Retrofit

[kingrick05]

Hi,

I am currently in the process of retrofitting my 2009 FX50s, with a 2013 bumper/grill.

•Ordered all parts (bumper, grill, and fog light finishers) cost $1,000. W/tax ordered from Red Nolan Infiniti of Colorado Springs.

•Custom Auto Body Shop- removed and pre-fitted 2013 bumper and balancing (balancing is the black plastic underneath the bumper that also houses the fog lights) pre-fit completed.

•2009 front camera is being used to save money and because @BeeLove an IS supporter, mentioned on another retrofit thread that he was unable to get the 2012+ camera to be recognized by the older computer.

Front camera was "modified" to fit: 2013 grill completed.

•Sanding/painting of bumper completed.

•Pending wash/wax/buff.

Once all the work is completed I will post pictures and total cost of retrofit.

Very Respectfully
Rick.





•Removing Bumper/Grill.


•Removed: Same balancing will be used to save money.


•Removed: Same camera will be used to save money.


•Next remove headlights. (Headlights will get a touch up)


•Removed: Next Fix rock chips/ sand. Prep for painting. I decided to give the entire front end a touch up, I didn't want to have a new shiny bumper/grill and rock chips to take away from the upgraded look.

•"Modify" old camera for 2012+ Grill.

 

[hywel]

Can't wait to see! I didn't realise that the bumpers came unpainted.


Sent from my iPad

 

[RIPnFX]

Awesome def waiting to see pics

 

[beelove]

Rick, I dropped the ball a bit on helping you, It's just been too damn cold here since my return to even think about doing any work on the car. It's supposed to be near 50 here tomorrow, so let me know if you still need me to look into the camera thing.

 

[kingrick05]

Can't wait to see! I didn't realise that the bumpers came unpainted.


Sent from my iPad

Yes, the bumper came unpainted and with some ruff spots. Sanding and painting is required.

---------- Post added at 06:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:58 PM ----------

Rick, I dropped the ball a bit on helping you, It's just been too damn cold here since my return to even think about doing any work on the car. It's supposed to be near 50 here tomorrow, so let me know if you still need me to look into the camera thing.

Thank you,

The custom shop and I were able to "modify" the camera to fit new bumper.
if I have any questions, you'll be the first person I consult, once again thanks.

 

[roughx021]

What did you do to modify the camera to fit?

 

[kingrick05]

What did you do to modify the camera to fit?

Because of the sensitive chrome-like material Inifiniti coats it's grill(s) with. The shop and I decided to use a plastic bonding agent to "modify" the old camera. It's a bond like Q-Bond.

 

[akachi]

can't wait to see the outcome!

 

[kingrick05]

Used a plastic bonding agent to hold camera in place.


The camera sits slights inside the emblem. On the Nav screen the emblem shades the cameras view slightly. It's the only issues I had with "modifying" the old camera to fit new 2012+ grill.


Heres a picture of the Nav screen front view camera, notice the shaded lines. These lines are not an obstruction. The camera still captures about 90% of it's appointed view.


Final steps:
pre coat


sand/pre coat


painted bumper


painted front


finsihed product:


I am extremely content with the outcome of this project development. Everything "snapped right on". I know the camera modification may not be ideal for many but it works, saves money and I'm fine with that. The longest wait period was on the sand/painting, I also wax/buffed the entire vehicle. Used touch up paint on tiny rock chips on top of the roof, found right in front of the sunroof. I hope this modification helps, any questions don't hesitate to ask.

•Parts=$1,000.
•Labor/Painting=$1,300.
•Total=$2,300

Special thanks @Beelove the 1st to do this Mod. #Breaking the ice on the unknown.

 

[GEE50FX]

Good write up.
Did you have the paint shop use the self healing paint on your FX, the same as that used on all 2009 FX's.

 

[jdTrader]

very nice! Thanks for the post

 

[kingrick05]

Good write up.
Did you have the paint shop use the self healing paint on your FX, the same as that used on all 2009 FX's.

Thank you.

not sure about the self healing paint, but I did make sure the shop used the same paint Infiniti uses to re-paint. I called my neighborhood dealer and had them supply us with the mixing instructions.

---------- Post added at 02:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:51 PM ----------

very nice! Thanks for the post

Thank you.

 

[aiya]

Very nice! :good: Great to see this is doable for those that want the updated front.

 

[kingrick05]

Very nice! :good: Great to see this is doable for those that want the updated front.

Thanks