Splicing Bodykits?

[Blue Bomber]

Is it possible to splice one individual part of a polyurethane bodykit bumper to another polyurethane kit's bumper? Say I've got two bumpers (A and B), and I like one smaller part from A, but I like the rest of B. Would it be possible to just have a shop cut the part out of A, cut out the corresponding location on B, then mold on the part from A in its place? What kind of material would the shop use, and how long would it hold up (stress cracks, etc.)? And how much would this cost? I know fiberglass would be easier to work with (could probably do it myself), but the bumpers I'm looking at are polyurethane.

[Hankwoo]

I've worked with polymers before in lab and would assume this is possible. The trick is determining the exact make up of the two different bumpers. If their polypeptide makeup is different then there might be some bonding issues between the two bumpers. I would give the manufacturers of the bumpers a ring and ask them.

[Blue Bomber]

So you're saying they would basically fuse the bumpers together instead of using some type of glue material?

[Hankwoo]

I would think that would be the best way to do it. I'm not familiar with glues, but maybe there is something that is flexible yet strong out there. dunno.

[SQ GT-S]

There are glues out there that will fuse the bumpers together. The only problem is you will loose some flexibility. You can always add a few layers of fiberglass behind the seam to add some more strength.

Curt

[Hankwoo]

Under tulance, when the bumper flexes and the bond holding them together does not at the same rate, I would think it would be only a matter of time until the bonds fail. That's just my assumption if you are looking at the longevity of the bumper.

Doesn't someone on here work at a bodyshop?!!?

[redline18]

i know that el fuego from teamcelica.com has done something like this so you might want to talk to him and ask what all was involved...here are some pics. he took the trd mechanical bumper and molded it with the blitz bumper.
http://208.56.192.50/albums/cbusmeet/aax.sized.jpg
http://208.56.192.50/albums/cbusmeet/aay.sized.jpg

[oneflyasianguy]

thats looks good, i never liked how the action package had lower side skirts than the front, but his kit lines up perfect,. not too crazy about the decals though.

[S|Lv3rBu||et]

Yeah, I knew I remembered someone talking about combining those two bumpers... it came out great!!
But yeah BlueBomber, I'm sure there's a way.... I'd just make some calls to the local body shops, see if you can't get any advice.

[redline18]

Originally posted by oneflyasianguy
thats looks good, i never liked how the action package had lower side skirts than the front, but his kit lines up perfect,. not too crazy about the decals though.

they aren't decals....it's custom painted and looks really nice up close