916 bumper question Options

[porsche-tom]

I got the 916 kit from AA and the front bumper does not flare out to meet the flared fenders. I assume you have to add foam or body filler? Any recommendations

[timothy_nd28]

I'm fighting that battle now. They fit extremely shitty.

[tygaboy]

It seems pretty standard to (strategically) cut them, fit the bits to your car and glass them back together.

[rick 918-S]

Yes, you have to flare the to match. Many time they require bodywork.

[raw1298]

I got the 916 kit from AA and the front bumper does not flare out to meet the flared fenders. I assume you have to add foam or body filler? Any recommendations

I did the foam form and glassed over it. If you look up fiberglass molds on Utube you will find some good info there. It will take time to get it right. I am about halfway done and 8 hours into it on mine.

[raw1298]

I am guessing that it will take nearly 40 hours to complete the fit on the entire front bumper. I have almost that in the rear and a long way to go. I have learned a lot from mistakes. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Andyrew]

There are many reproduction 916 front bumpers, some are built for the flares some are not.

From AA's website
"Description

Achieve the great look of the rare 916 prototype for your 914. Fiberglass bolt-on will also reduce weight. Primed and ready for painting to match your 914. The smooth clean appearance is also aerodynamically efficient! (for stock fenders. Bumper must be slightly modified to fit gt flares.)"

[larryM]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

that's why so many of us distrust AA,

having had multiple such experiences with their repro parts

[rjames]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

that's why so many of us distrust AA,

having had multiple such experiences with their repro parts

Definitely not an AA apologist (PM me if you want to know all the reasons I don't order from them anymore) but it doesn't look like there is any reason to bash them on this if they specifically state that the bumper must be modified to fit gt flares. (See Andrew's post above)

[mepstein]

916's are flared cars so the bumpers should come flared as a default.
Realistically, all fiberglass bodywork either needs a whole lot of work to fit to the car or a hell of a whole lot of work. It's often times molds of other guy's body work and when it's made, pulled quickly from the mold and set aside and gets warped instead of fully cured in the mold. Fiberglass is cheap and light and great for a track car. If you want to put it on your road car and make it look right it will take time and effort. If you want it to keep from cracking, some strategically placed metal reinforcements glassed into the bodywork really help.

[Andyrew]

916's are flared cars so the bumpers should come flared as a default.
Realistically, all fiberglass bodywork either needs a whole lot of work to fit to the car or a hell of a whole lot of work. It's often times molds of other guy's body work and when it's made, pulled quickly from the mold and set aside and gets warped instead of fully cured in the mold. Fiberglass is cheap and light and great for a track car. If you want to put it on your road car and make it look right it will take time and effort. If you want it to keep from cracking, some strategically placed metal reinforcements glassed into the bodywork really help.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

Any flared 916 bumper produced new today is either a mold from a mold, or a mold from a mold from a mold from a mold...


The ONLY person who has any chance here to make a legit replica bumper is probably George from AA since he's got a 916 in the showroom, BUT I wouldnt expect that he would actually go and possibly ruin his OE bumper and make a mold from it.

The variations and issues with the fiberglass 916 bumpers have been discussed in length, one of the most identifying characteristics of a poor mold is a flat nose point. Its MY biggest pet peve with the cheap reproductions.

[rhodyguy]

"Slightly..."

[porsche-tom]

im by no means bashing AA I get all of my stuff from them and I know that these are copies of copies of copies....but the back 916 bumper holes did not line up with holes on the car and had to be re-glassed, the rear fenders have an inch difference in length, and you would think since I got the whole 916 "kit" that the front bumper would be flared. I knew going into this I would have to modify it....but not this much (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[mydgspot]

Hi Guys, just came across this post: We at AIR make this bumper and sell it widely including Automobile Atlanta. It is the best out there and we have been making it since our inception back in 1978. As you all know fiberglass parts are not an exact science and ALL must be fitted, especially to an older car like a 914. One never knows if the car has had previous damage and or bodywork that would hinder even the most sincere intent to fit one of these parts. We stand behind our products 100% and if you have any problem with our parts let me know of your concerns, don't bash automobile atlanta!

[KELTY360]

We stand behind our products 100%

What does this mean?

[Andyrew]

Hi Guys, just came across this post: We at AIR make this bumper and sell it widely including Automobile Atlanta. It is the best out there and we have been making it since our inception back in 1978. As you all know fiberglass parts are not an exact science and ALL must be fitted, especially to an older car like a 914. One never knows if the car has had previous damage and or bodywork that would hinder even the most sincere intent to fit one of these parts. We stand behind our products 100% and if you have any problem with our parts let me know of your concerns, don't bash automobile atlanta!

If we give you constructive criticism would you possibly be able to update and improve your product? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)


Please post a picture of your bumper in Gel on a narrow body as it was designed for. I would absolutely love to discuss it with you, no bashing, just constructive comments.