[potpal]

I was debating weather to use 3M tape or adhesive but in the ended descided to go with the 3M tape. With the splitters being a tight fit didn't make sense for me to go with the adhesive, specially if i wanted to be easily removed and cleaned up.

Tools and parts:
• OEM Style Splitters from JBSpeed
• 3M double side outdoor tape
• Socket wrench with 3/8 bit
• Scissors
• Windex
• Rubbing alcohol
• Small container
• Painters tape
• Hair dryer

Phase 1: Cleaning and preparation

•Wash lower part of bumper and dry off

•Was the inside of the splitters. I noticed there was some dust left over from mold so make sure you clean the insideof your splitters really good. This will ensure the tape will stick properly

•Mix a little bit of ammonia base Windex and water I did around 70/30. More Windex than water

•Remove both screws from underneath bumper

•Do a pre-installation test. Install splitters and make note of any problem spots. Make sure holes align with screw holes underneath. Repeat if required so you are comfortable with installing the splitters without any problems. Best time to practice is now, this will help once you have the tape on.



•Take painters tape and mark edge of splitters as show in picture. This will be your guide when you start applying the 3M tape.




Phase 2 – Pre-taping

I found it easier to install the splitters if you put the 3M tape on the car instead of inside the splitters as it will allow you to better adjust the splitters when you apply the Windex solution. Also don’t over tape; you don’t need that much tape to hold it into place. Less tape means it will also make it easier for adjustment and removal later on.

•Just before you apply the 3M tape, take the rubbing alcohol dab it on a cloth and give the area one more round of cleaning. The rubbing alcohol will not damage the paint and will dry very quickly

•Place the 3M tape in the areas noted in picture. I referenced the OEM installation guides for secure points and because we are using 3M tape and note OEM parts I’ve added a few more spots. For the outer areas or problem areas where you have a little bit of play I would put a double or triple layer of 3M tape. Areas in red are the areas I doubled up on. I highly recommend you double up on area A and C. Also make sure you run the tape underneath as well. This was a pic of my second taping job so painters tape was removed. At this stage it should still be on. Apply the tape a few mm away from the painters tape so that it will remain hidden once the splitters are on.



•Before you peel back the red protective tape, do another check. Put the splitters on again for another pre installation inspection and make sure don’t see any red tape exposed. If you do remove and re apply tape and recheck again. This will ensure the tape will be totally hidden when you install the splitters.

•Now remove all the red protective tape. Leave painters tape on still for guides when you install the splitters.

Phase 3 – Installation

•Take the Windex solution you premixed and dab it on the tape in Area B with your fingers. This will give you some room for adjustment when you install the splittersYou don’t need that much and I found just dipping your fingers in and apply it is enough. I found spraying applies too much and takes too long to dry. Reason I did not apply it on areas A and B is that I want the full strength of the tape once is applied didn’t want any residue from the Windex to potentially weaken those areas when I dried. Also area A will was my installation anchor point so i wanted it to stick right away.



•Now you are ready to install the splitters. I started from the edge near the wheels and worked my way in. I found hooking it on the edge and pulling outwards while widening the splitters with both hands made it a lot easier and I did not had to adjust it after wards. The picture shows the direction and force I used. This is why i didn't put windex on that area.



•Once the splitter is on before you apply pressure to splitters to adhear tape, check screw holes are aligned and make adjustments if required. I used my knees to press on the splitters and to make sure it adhered to the stickered areas once I was happy with the fit.

•Re-install screws. Rinse and repeat for other side and you’re done!!!

Uninstalling and Adjustment after installation

•If for some reason you need to re-adjust the splitters or need to remove it. Use the hair dryer to heat up the taped areas to make it softer and peal the splitter off carefully so you do not crack it. I found starting from underneath and the edge closest to the wheel works. If it is not peeling off take your time and try to blow the air between the splitters and the original bumper


Before and After Shots

[e90ben]

That looks good!

Great job

[fdriller9]

Why did you use so much tape? I didn't use any....just the screws on the bottom. If your splitters don't look flush without tape something is wrong....

[shadowcoder]

So you guys are saying that no tape is needed?

[potpal]

If the fit is perfect and snug its really up to you. Adding tape just makes it that much harder to rip off but is a bit harder to put on than just two screws at the bottom.

[cruvon]

Thanks for this awesome DIY potpal, just bought mine and will follow your instructions. If you don't mind could u please point out maybe an Amazon link of the exact 3M tape you used? Confused with too many types of double sided tapes there ,
Thanks Again

[dc5_champ88]

nice!

[potpal]

3M tape I use is the double sided red one you can by at any Home Depot.

[cruvon]

Hi, I am following your instructions, seem to be getting a gap at "C"..did you experience that?
Thanks

[alb3rto]

I know this post is old but I have a few questions because the bottom right side of my bumper is all messed up due to one of those parking things.

1. Will the Pre-LCI splitters fit on the bumper how it is?
2. Do the splitters come with screws for the bottom of the bumper? I lost the screws when i hit that darn concrete POS. If not, where can i buy some?


Sorry for the huge sucky iPhone photos.

[atown88]

Originally Posted by alb3rto

I know this post is old but I have a few questions because the bottom right side of my bumper is all messed up due to one of those parking things.

1. Will the Pre-LCI splitters fit on the bumper how it is?
2. Do the splitters come with screws for the bottom of the bumper? I lost the screws when i hit that darn concrete POS. If not, where can i buy some?


Sorry for the huge sucky iPhone photos.

No. My bumper had damage on the bottom too, a lot less than yours and it still didn't fit. I would recomend doing what I did and just find a used OEM bumper that didn't have the damage and VOILA. good luck!