Dramatic change to front bumper; Lexus inspired

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by SunDevilDrake, Mar 25, 2016.

  1. SunDevilDrake

    SunDevilDrake Junior Member

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    Mock up of plastidip or vinyl to modify the look of the Gen 2 front bumper. Inspired by the look on the newer Toyota/Lexus models.

    20160325_092202.jpg 20160325_092202.jpg 20160325_090533.jpg
     
    #1 SunDevilDrake, Mar 25, 2016
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  2. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    Will need some more grill lines or honeycomb, no?
     
    #2 mmmodem, Mar 25, 2016
  3. SunDevilDrake

    SunDevilDrake Junior Member

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    The intention isn't to make it look like a Lexus but to use the Lexus look for inspiration. Adding honeycomb would be too much work.
     
    #3 SunDevilDrake, Mar 25, 2016
  4. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

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    Did you go thru with this transformation yet?
     
    #4 Justdidit, Mar 26, 2016
  5. SunDevilDrake

    SunDevilDrake Junior Member

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    No and I may not. Don't want my car to be too different since I use it for business to business sales.
     
    #5 SunDevilDrake, Mar 26, 2016
  6. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

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    Do the plastiDip, if you don't like it, just peel it back off! (y)
     
    #6 Justdidit, Mar 27, 2016
  7. Sergiospl

    Sergiospl Senior Member

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    Chrome strips to highlight lower grill a bit?
    upload_2016-3-27_12-0-11.jpeg
     
    #7 Sergiospl, Mar 27, 2016
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  8. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Interesting. Unfortunately plasti-dip is a not a good choice for leading edge applications as it will chip, pit, and peel in no time. If you like the mockup, best to consider paint/clear-coat.
     
    #8 fotomoto, Mar 27, 2016
  9. SunDevilDrake

    SunDevilDrake Junior Member

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    Wouldn't vinyl be simple enough to apply, durable, and removable?
     
    #9 SunDevilDrake, Mar 27, 2016
  10. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    If we're talking DIY and you're not experienced, it can be very tough to apply around complex curves and angles. Pro's make it look easy. Vinyl will still chip but it's way more durable than plasti-dip. On the front, you'll see the most wear the lower you go so it may not even bother you.

    It will also depend on your typical driving environment. If you're a city driver, vinyl would do fine. If you're a highway driver with cars typically right in front of you, it will see much more wear.
     
    #10 fotomoto, Mar 27, 2016
  11. SunDevilDrake

    SunDevilDrake Junior Member

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    I didn't find vinyl too difficult to work with when I vinyl wrapped multiple interior pieces in the Audi I used to own. But I had the luxury of taking off the parts to work on outside of the car.

    To make this front bumper install right I'd assume it's best to at least take off the lower grille and maybe the upper grille.
     
    #11 SunDevilDrake, Mar 27, 2016
  12. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

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    The middle grille trim comes off but the center piece doesn't. Under the trim is a section of the bumper the trim screws to. Don't think taking that off would be much advantage. Taking off the lower grille would definitely help. Heck, taking the bumper off completely might help better.
     
    #12 Justdidit, Mar 28, 2016
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  13. Pruis-er

    Pruis-er Junior Member

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    this one's interesting
     
    #13 Pruis-er, Mar 28, 2016
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