Before You Get Started...
Paint Preparation Instructions Link
If you ordered the "Paintable" version, click on the instructions link above for paint prep, and trim installation instructions.
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
1. Complete a dry-fit using the following steps 3-10 without removing the backing to the red 3M tape.
2. Clean the surface thoroughly with Isopropyl alcohol.
3. (REFER TO IMAGE BELOW) Peel edges of 3M tape on the 3 bottom lengths of 3M tape. Completely remove the backing of the 3M tape in the vertical side length.
4. Start at the outboard corner and tuck the BumperShellz flange under the step pad trim. It may be necessary to use a non-scratching trim tool to lift the trim/step pad at the corner sufficiently to slide the BumperShell in to place. Try to avoid putting much pressure on taped areas until sure the BumperShell is in its proper position.
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NOTE: For Matte finishes, it is a good practice to tape along the trim areas to protect the surface from any abrasion the trim tool may cause.
5. Tuck remaining top edge BumperShellz™ flanges by gently and progressively prying up the trim edge with a plastic trim tool or similar implement and sliding 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.
NOTE: If factory reverse sensors are present, clearance holes have been provided. Some slight positioning adjustment may be needed to center the sensor within the cut-out holes before applying pressure to the taped areas.
NOTE: If factory reverse sensors are present, clearance holes have been provided. Some slight positioning adjustment may be needed to center the sensor within the cut-out holes before applying pressure to the taped areas.
6. Repeat assembly process for opposite side.
7. Peel off backing to the 3M tape using the exposed portions you taped to the front of your part in step 3.
8. Use firm pressure on all taped areas against the bumper for at least 30 seconds to assure good adhesion transfer.
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.