Items Included• 1 Center Cover and 2 side covers
|
Tools Required• Isopropyl Alcohol/clean rags
• Needle Pliers • Plastic pry/trim tool |
Before You Get Started...
Warm surfaces and 3M tape with heat gun if ambient temperature is below 68 degrees F
|
Any Modification or unintended use will void the manufacturers warranty
|
A dry fit of all pieces must be performed before the final installation of the product to ensure fit
|
Products cannot be returned for a full refund after the red backing to the 3M tape is removed
|
Paint Preparation Instructions Link
If you ordered the "Paintable" version, click on the instructions link above for paint prep, and trim installation instructions.
INSTALLATION VIDEO GUIDEWatch this video as a supplement to the written installation instructions below. Always refer to the written instructions when performing the installation.
|
|
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™.
- Your BumperShellz™ are assembled to your bumper by tucking the perimeter flange under the existing plastic trim pieces. It is usually sufficient to lift the edge of the trim in these areas with a non-scratching pry tool and progressively sliding the flange underneath the trim and, unless otherwise specified, should not require removal of the trim.
- Your BumperShellz™ are secured in place with 3M™ Automotive Acrylic Foam Attachment Tape. Optimal temperature for installation is between 20°C (68°F) to 38°C (100°F) and never below 15°C (60°F). If ambient temperature is below 15°C, a hair dryer or heat gun may be used at your discretion to warm the bumper surface. BumperShellz™ should be acclimated at “room temperature” prior to installation.
- Make sure your bumper is clean, dry, and free of debris. Use a cleaner that will remove oil/grease to clean bumper surface, followed by wiping the bonding surface areas of your bumper thoroughly with regular isopropyl rubbing alcohol and a clean lint-free white cotton rag or clean disposable toweling. Do not use shop rags which may have dirt or oily residues. For superior results use 3M brand Prep Solvent 70 or similar products 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
NOTE: We recommend Dry-Fitting 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 and/or fog lamp openings, 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. 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.
Side Cover Installation Instructions
|
1. Clean off the entire surface of the bumper with isopropyl alcohol and a clean cloth. Also ensure the bumper is at least at the temperature mentioned in “PREPARATION.”
2. Install side bumper covers first. Remove red backing from 3M tape. Start by wrapping cover around the corner of the bumper, pulling it tight and laying the cover flush against the bumper. Ensure that all chrome is covered by the BumperShellz. Repeat on opposite side.
|
|
|
Center Cover Installation Instructions
|
3. Begin removing stock bumperettes/plastic bumper grill insert. Use plastic trim tool, or flat head screwdriver covered in tape to
carefully pry off this piece. If you can access the backside of the bumper, the grill insert can be more easily removed if you can squeeze the clips with pliers. Note: If there is a front license plate bracket attached, remove this before removing the bumperettes. 4. Removing the bumperettes may allow access to the clips
that secure the upper trim piece on top of the front bumper on some F150 models. If these clips are not accessible, removal is NOT necessary for the final install, but may make installation easier. |
|
|
|
Modification Guide
- For Upgraded Fascia and Grille Trims: (ONLY read if your state requires the use of a front license plate) If your state requires a front license plate, and you have purchased a cover with either the “upgraded fascia” or “grille” you may desire to cut slots in the cover to insert the license plate frame. White guide lines have been provided on the back of the cover as a reference for where the slots are to be cut. This method will only work with license plate frame with part # FL3417N388AB.
- For F150’s WITHOUT Front Tow Hooks: If your front bumper does not have tow hook openings in the lower valance, you will either need to completely remove the lower plastic trim to proceed with the installation, or trim this area of the cover back to make room for the tow hook plug. White guidelines have been provided on the backside of your BumperShellz as a guide for trimming this area away. Use a Dremel, file or hand belt sander to remove all material within the white guide lines. The white guide lines themselves should be sanded until only a sliver of white remains. After that, place your BumperShellz against the bumper to check the clearance side you have cut, continue to make modifications for proper fit if needed.
- These white guide lines are provided ONLY as a reference, and a help. Use of the white guide lines or cutting into the BumperShellz is left entirely to the discretion of the customer. By electing to use these lines by cutting into the BumperShellz, or making any other permanent alterations, the customer is waiving his ability to return the product.
5. Install center cover by first removing red backing of 3M tape.Apply center cover over center bumper section,
with the edges overlapping the side covers. If you were not able to remove the top trim, use a plastic trim tool or
credit card to pry up on the trim enough to slip the top edge of the cover all the way underneath. Try not to allow taped areas to touch until the BumperShell is located correctly.
with the edges overlapping the side covers. If you were not able to remove the top trim, use a plastic trim tool or
credit card to pry up on the trim enough to slip the top edge of the cover all the way underneath. Try not to allow taped areas to touch until the BumperShell is located correctly.
6. Finally, begin putting firm pressure on all areas of the BumperShellz where the 3M tape will be contacting the bumper. Be thorough to ensure best adhesion.
7. If installing the BumperShellz model with the stock plastic bumperettes/grill insert, re-install the stock insert by aligning the tabs/clips with the slots in the bumper. Push the grille insert on firmly, which may require a firm tap to seat the clips.
8. If top trim was removed, align upper trim clips with slots on top bumper surface. Trim should overlap BumperShellz. Push on trim until all clips are securely seated.
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.
