Paint Preparation Instructions Link
If you ordered the "Paintable" version, click on the instructions link above for paint prep, and trim installation instructions.
Items Included• Left, Right, and Center BumperShellz™
• 2 Pieces of Black-Out Tape • 2 Pieces of Fill Tape |
Tools Required• Flat Head Screwdriver
• Pliers • Plastic prying/trim tool |
Before You Get Started...
Preparation
- If your bumper has any significant pre-existing dents, you may want to remove the bumper and try to pound some of these out. Small dings and rust can usually be directly covered by BumperShellz™ if trim lines between plastic trim/step pad and exposed steel bumper are in their original shape. A distorted bumper will negatively affect the fit of your BumperShellz™.
- Ensure the bumper is clean. After a quick wash, use Isopropyl alcohol or Acetone with a brand new, lint-free cloth to thoroughly clean the bumper. For professional results, use 3M brand prep solvent 70, Adhesion Promoter 94, or a similar vinyl adhesion promoter product available at many auto stores.
The degree to which you follow these preparation instructions will determine the quality of the installed product. Please follow all instructions and be patient. If you are unsure of any area of the installation after reading these instructions, please call us at 844-918-3688, and we will answer any questions that you have.
Installation
1. Dry-Fit all BumperShellz pieces to their specific locations BEFORE removing ANY of the red backing strips from the tape. Make sure all pieces are correct, i.e., you have received all pieces shown above, with or without sensor holes, color/pattern is correct, and that all are undamaged. There should not be any (or extremely minimal) bumper surface visible once flanges are slid under trim and sensor holes (if present) are centered over sensor trim. Black-out tape (see picture) has been provided for placement over bumper ends, before installing BumperShellz, in case temperature or build variations result in any visible chrome. Dry Fitting is also good practice for lining up each piece and guiding it into place, visualizing how to do it when the backing strips are removed and the tape is STICKY. Note that once the backing is removed we cannot give full credit for return.
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4. Peel red backing off tape strips on back surface of your BumperShell. Use non-scratching pry tool to slightly lift the trim/step pad by wedging it under the trim at the inboard edge (near license plate). Try not to allow the tape to contact the bumper until the BumperShell is in its proper position.
NOTE: If you have factory reverse sensors, a clearance hole has been removed from the area in front of the sensor. Some slight adjustment may be needed to center the sensor within the hole BEFORE pressing down on the tape.
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5. Tuck the remaining BumperShellz™ flanges under the trim by gently and progressively lifting the edge of the trim just enough to slide the flange underneath. Do not use excessive force, as this may damage your BumperShellz™ and/or trim. If the BumperShell is not going on with reasonable effort, a flange is probably hung up somewhere. eCOOLogical cannot be held responsible for damage to trim or due to excessive force.
NOTE: The edging around the corner step trim should be pressed against the edge of the corner step pocket, not tucked under. You may need to work the edging slightly for optimum fit.
6. The flange on narrow outboard corner end is tucked under the trim up until the notch (see picture). The final portion of the tip is pressed flush against the trim, not tucked under.
7. Once in proper position, press the BumperShellz firmly against the bumper on the taped areas from inboard-to-outboard for at least 30 seconds to make sure tape adheres to the bumper and does not trap air between the tape and bumper. Repeat for opposite side.
8. Install the center section by removing the backing from the tape strips. Rotate the bottom edge of the center section slightly toward the bumper to avoid the trailer hitch receiver. Center the center section between the left and right BumperShellz™ and tuck the top flange under the step trim, using your pry tool. The Center cover should be overlapping the side covers equally and appear to be centered. When properly positioned, press the taped areas against the bumper as before.
NOTE for Maximum Adhesion: The acrylic foam tape used to adhere your BumperShellz is “pressure sensitive”, so making sure there is sufficient pressure applied to each of the taped areas is vital to achieve optimum adhesion of your BumperShellz™ to your bumper. It is also recommended that you come back a few hours later, or the next day, to give each BumperShellz piece another pressure rub to ensure the best adhesion. Allow the tape adhesive to set up for at least 24 hours before washing your truck. Maximum adhesion is reached after 3-5 days in temperatures above 70 degrees, longer if it is cooler. Once the adhesive has fully bonded to a properly prepared bumper surface, it is nearly impossible to remove the BumperShellz without damaging them. Please refer to “removal instructions” in the BumperShellz FAQ section on the website, should removal be necessary.
Care for your BumperShellz™
Care for your BumperShellz™ like you would any fine paint finish. Use high quality cleaning products designed specifically for car care.
Gloss finishes: Oftentimes, minor scratches can be buffed out on the gloss finishes. Rubbing compounds can be used with a mechanical buffer, for deeper scratches.
Matte finishes are much more susceptible to abrasions, leaving a "glossy sheen" on the finish, which are generally permanent. Do not attempt to buff out scratches/abrasions on your matte finish, as this will generally make the damage worse. Avoid excessive friction when trying to remove anything stuck to the matte finish surface and keep cleaning rags/water clean and abrasive free. Abrasive brush-type car washes are not recommended, as they can abrade the Matte finish. Brushless car washes are acceptable.
Gloss finishes: Oftentimes, minor scratches can be buffed out on the gloss finishes. Rubbing compounds can be used with a mechanical buffer, for deeper scratches.
Matte finishes are much more susceptible to abrasions, leaving a "glossy sheen" on the finish, which are generally permanent. Do not attempt to buff out scratches/abrasions on your matte finish, as this will generally make the damage worse. Avoid excessive friction when trying to remove anything stuck to the matte finish surface and keep cleaning rags/water clean and abrasive free. Abrasive brush-type car washes are not recommended, as they can abrade the Matte finish. Brushless car washes are acceptable.