bumper pad conversion / backdate

S785Carrera · 09-01-2005, 12:46 PM

I have read several posts on the removal of the rubber bumper pads on SC's and Carreras, but I was thinking of doing a european bumper pad coversion or a backdate to some smaller pads. Has anyone done this rather than a complete removal?
Any pics? A source for parts would be great too ! Also, if this type
of conversion is done then are the lights included in the smaller pads?

Thanks !
Mike

javadog · 09-01-2005, 01:23 PM

Mike;

The conversion is fairly easy. You have to drill new holes for the pads, as the layout is different between the US and ROW pads and you will have to weld up the holes for the US bumper that will be exposed otherwise. This means you have to repaint the bumper, which is not as big a deal as it sounds, if you have a decent body shop in your area. I believe the original pads are NLA but there are aftermarket versions out there that are fine. The larger Porsche vendors have them. The stock tag lights and impact strips will work with the ROW pads, too. I'd budget about $500-600 or so to do the conversion, if you have the welding and paint work done by a shop. Figure around half that if you can do it all yourself.

Make sure you get the 911 bumper pads. The ones for the later turbos are a little shorter, although they look the same at first glance.

Hope this is helpful,
Jeff R.

si Banker · si Banker's Garage

I am working on a project to produce a smaller bumper pad which will bolt on to the American bumper using the existing holes. The pad will be less that 3 inches thick and it's base will be 60% smaller than the existing bumper pad. They are similar to the front bumper pads on a 944 as it pertains to thickness.

If you go to euro bumper pads, the existing bolt holes of which there are three will not line up and you will need to drill two more. There will be at least two of the original holes left exposed.

The euro pads will except the original lights as will the ones we are building.

jtratza · 09-01-2005, 02:25 PM

How about some pics si Banker. I've never liked the bumper pads on my 1987 except as a seat when I take a beer break in the garage.

S785Carrera · 09-01-2005, 05:43 PM

Thank You si Banker and Jeff for the responses. I would think this would be as popular as a deleting the bumper pads completely. I did some searching , including our host and have not found much. Any pictures or specific vendors for the ROW pads? si Banker, how close are you to completing the project?

Mike

Craig 930 RS · 09-01-2005, 06:00 PM

ROW pads are dirt cheap compared to the honker U.S. pads.

felix_browne · 09-01-2005, 06:07 PM

those amorphus things remind me of the bad guys in pac man. Whatever you decide to do please post pics when you are done as i'm looking to remove mine without changing out the bumper.

jtratza · 09-01-2005, 06:49 PM

Mine are going to be gone soon but will wait to see si Banker's pad design first.

ianc · 09-01-2005, 07:05 PM

Quote:

I've never liked the bumper pads on my 1987 except as a seat when I take a beer break in the garage.

Ha! I do that all the time! Where would I sit if it weren't for those honkers?

ianc

jwetering · jwetering's Garage

I took mine off, plugged some of the holes but left the rest open. I screwed the rub strips down too. One day when I paint the car I will either fill the holes, or go f/g, or backdate.

Is it a bastard or am I just lazy?

ianc · 09-01-2005, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Is it a bastard or am I just lazy?

Dunno which, but it's UGLY!

ianc

Wil Ferch · 09-01-2005, 11:17 PM

Believe it or not.....

Jeep Cherokee bumper pads have a semi- "wrap around" style like the USA Porsche pads ..but are incredibly smaller. I'm trying to find a used set to test fit and see if there is a chance of success. Maybe others have access to such pieces too as a trial run......

- Wil

dd74 · 09-01-2005, 11:57 PM

I wouldn't remove the bumper pads and expect the same level of protection in normal street driving. They aren't there to be removed. That's why those holes are so ugly.

ricochet · 09-02-2005, 05:56 AM

I replaced my US bumper pads with the Euro pads and had no problems. I fibreglassed the extra hole on each side and repainted the section. I also used two of the origional holes on each side. Mine lined up perfect and looks much better now (84 Carrera). I'll take a few pics if ya want, have never tried posting pics but will email ya some if you PM or email me for that request.
I did not have to drill anything, and could have just installed the Europads leaving one hole in sight on the bumper. This could be capped by a plug pretty easily leaving the bumper looking fine. My old pads had worn into the paint, so the bumper paint was required in my case. Wish I knew how to post pics.
Is an easy swap. And saves several pounds of weight (looks cleaner to me also).

Craig 930 RS · 09-02-2005, 06:11 AM

jwetering · jwetering's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by ricochet
... Wish I knew how to post pics.

Dood - it's ez

1) Hit the "post a reply button" - don't use the "quick reply" area.

2) Write your text in the reply box like normal.

3) Click on the "Click here to Upload a Photo..." link about two lines below the text box.

4) Click the "choose file" button in the pop up.

5) Browse your machine for the photo you wanna upload...choose it by double clicking or by clicking the choose file button.

6) Click the "upload now" button in the same pop up where you clicked "choose file earlier.

7) Wait a few seconds while the image uploads and then finally click the "submit reply button on the botton there.

You're done. Go try it now. Make it easy on yourself by putting the iimage you wanna upload on your desktop so it's easy to find.

cheers

Ken911 · 09-02-2005, 07:52 AM

here is mine it is a ROW so it has the small pads. planning on putting on the same type on my turbo if i can find any.

S785Carrera · 09-02-2005, 07:58 AM

I have done some checking around and have only seen them at Tweeks for $100 a piece. I have a request in to our host to see if I can get them here. Any other ideas other than ebay?

Mike

89911 · 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dd74
I wouldn't remove the bumper pads and expect the same level of protection in normal street driving. They aren't there to be removed. That's why those holes are so ugly.

I would blame federal legislation for the need to have those stupid lumps of rubber on your bumper. Its all about damage at 5 mph and insurance companies. For anything else more then that, they offer no further protection.

eddiehotrod · eddiehotrod's Garage