Custom bumpers

[Myotis1134]

I've been looking into getting a new front and rear bumper for my 91 euro. Something that doesn't make my beast look like a granny/family car. As you all know, the only manufacturers that make body upgrades for our cars are GM Parts Direct- with the Z34 bumper, which is a decent upgrade from the Euro style, or Razzi- which is a pretty ugly style. Even the name 'Razzi' is so 80's style.

So, with no cornucopia of direct fit options for the Lumina, I've been looking into finding custom/aftermarket bumpers by dimension: wheelbase, width, height.

After talking to this guy Matt on Cardomain.com, who had to get a style of bumper that he liked, then mod the shit out of it to make it fit (don't get me wrong- it looks sooo sweet), I'm thinking that the way to do this is to take the path of least resistance i.e. find a bumper that needs the least amount of modifying (dimension-wise) for it to fit the car.

I started by hitting wikkipedia up on different makes and models that looked similar to the front end of the Lumina, and recording the dimensions stated above. Turns out that there are quite a few vehicles out there that are pretty damn close. Keeping in mind that newer models are more likely to have aftermarket parts made for them, I've been focusing on the Honda Accord. More specifically the 2003-2007 Accord.

 

The 1991-94 Lumina Coupe and Sedan has the following dimensions (according to wikkipedia):

(Following specs taken from the Z34)

 

Wheelbase: 107.5 in (2731mm)

Length: 1991-94 Coupe & 1993-94 Sedan: 198.3 in (5037mm)

Width: Coupe and Z34 Sedan: 71.1 in (1821mm)

Height: Coupe and Z34 Sedan: 53.3 in (1354mm)

 

The following list of cars has similar dimensions, although not exact.

 

Honda Accord/Inspire (2003-present)

 

Wheelbase: 2003-07 Sedan: 107.9 in (2741mm)

2008-present Coupe: 107.9 in (2741mm)

Width: 2003-05 Sedan: 71.5 in (1816mm)

2006-07 Sedan: 71.6 in (1819mm)

Height: 2003-07 approx 57 in and change, 2008-present: Sedan: 58.1 in, Coupe: 56.4 in

 

3rd Gen. Buic Regal (1988-1996)

 

Wheelbase: 107.5 in (2731mm)

Width: 1988-1995: 72.5 in (1842mm)

Height: 1995 Coupe: 53.3 in (1354mm)

 

5th Gen. Pontiac Grand Prix (1988-1996)

Wheelbase: 107.5 in

Width: 71.9 in

Height: 1990-91 Coupe: 53.3 in

 

5th and 6th Gen. Monte Carlo (1995-2007)

 

7th and 8th Gen. Impalla (2000-present)

 

The point is that there are a lot of vehicles out there with near-exact dimensions as the Lumina.

Now I'm not an auto-body expert, so right now this all makes sense to me with the limited knowledge that I have now. I'm looking for opinions on whether or not this idea is doable.

 

 

 

[Cam'ron]

with time and money of course its doable. dimensions might be a close match but matching body lines is gonna be tough.

[Brian P]

http://www.w-body.com/forum/index.php?topic=77343.0

 

Won't get much easier/more affordable than that. Otherwise, look at spending some serious $ and/or time making something else fit that won't look like a tacked-on part.

[Venom]

http://www.w-body.com/forum/index.php?topic=77343.0

 

Won't get much easier/more affordable than that. Otherwise, look at spending some serious $ and/or time making something else fit that won't look like a tacked-on part.

 

He said he didnt like the look of the Razzi kit. Ive seen this done on other cars, but it was extensive work to get it to look right. Personally I would swap the Z34 bumpers onto the car.