FRP Bumpers

Dr. G · 05-29-2012, 01:00 PM

Ok so let's just say I was speaking to the company which makes pretty much 98% of the replica bumpers we see sold for the e90 and e92 and I was speaking to them about making a customized bumper for me/

Basically a PU mold costs about $10000 and a PP mold $20000 yeah.... I'm not paying that haha, but an FRP mold is about $850.

They said the fitment will be the same, but obviously the quality of an FRP piece isn't comparable to PU or PP.

Do any of you guys have an FRP bumper maybe like the ericson or something? I'm wondering if once it's painted it has a nice smooth finish or if it still looks a bit wavy and odd. Also any issues with cracking?

Andy M · 05-29-2012, 01:10 PM

FRP is better than PU but the workmanship is critical. If they strip it from the form too early, it'll distort and you'll have fitment issues. They'll also have to create a form for it as opposed to laying down layers of fiberglass sheets and then brushing it with epoxy. You'll want it to be resin-infused. Lastly, make sure they use good resin because UV will break it down. You might want to make sure for the $850 they're doing this with a custom mold.

Once painted, it should be nice and smooth with no waves.

JDMKS · 05-29-2012, 01:17 PM

I would rather not pay for it then have to have a shop "fix" it later w/ bondo and body filler that is just me

05-29-2012, 01:00 PM	#1
Dr. G Major General 288 Rep 5,064 Posts Drives: Black e92 335i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Brampton, Ontario iTrader: (32) Garage List e92 BMW 335i [8.84]	FRP Bumpers - Are they still total garbage? Ok so let's just say I was speaking to the company which makes pretty much 98% of the replica bumpers we see sold for the e90 and e92 and I was speaking to them about making a customized bumper for me/ Basically a PU mold costs about $10000 and a PP mold $20000 yeah.... I'm not paying that haha, but an FRP mold is about $850. They said the fitment will be the same, but obviously the quality of an FRP piece isn't comparable to PU or PP. Do any of you guys have an FRP bumper maybe like the ericson or something? I'm wondering if once it's painted it has a nice smooth finish or if it still looks a bit wavy and odd. Also any issues with cracking? __________________ JB4 / OSS Angel Eyes / Downpipes / F1-Racewerks FMIC / Custom Meth Kit / BMS DCI / ER Chargepipe / HKS BOV / BMS Meth Elbow / BMW Performance Exhaust / Carbon Fiber Inlay Quad Tips / 19" Miro 111 / Front Aero Lip / M3 Sides / VRS CSL Trunk / Mtech Rear / DD CF Quad Finned Diffuser / LCI Tails / BBK / Smoked Reflectors / F1 Euphoria LED Interior / License LED's / GT 5000k Corners / 5000k HID Fogs / Air Scoops / LED Turn Signals / FK Silverline Coilovers / HPA endlinks / Vibrant Resonators / Osram CBI 5000k D1S
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05-29-2012, 01:10 PM	#2
Andy M 79 Rep 1,208 Posts Drives: 09 BMW 335i xdrive Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (5)	FRP is better than PU but the workmanship is critical. If they strip it from the form too early, it'll distort and you'll have fitment issues. They'll also have to create a form for it as opposed to laying down layers of fiberglass sheets and then brushing it with epoxy. You'll want it to be resin-infused. Lastly, make sure they use good resin because UV will break it down. You might want to make sure for the $850 they're doing this with a custom mold. Once painted, it should be nice and smooth with no waves.
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05-29-2012, 01:17 PM	#3
JDMKS First Lieutenant 40 Rep 337 Posts Drives: Yas Marina M4 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Misery iTrader: (2)	I would rather not pay for it then have to have a shop "fix" it later w/ bondo and body filler that is just me
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