I'm looking into updated the Front end of my FD with some form of 99spec bumper. I would prefer to stay urethane for durability's sake and would rather not have the license plate.

I see a few different companies selling the plateless 99 spec bumpers. Pettit, Extreme Dimensions, ebay, etc. Are these all using the same mold?

The sites that show the plateless bumper uninstalled looks like its super scrunched up which worries me it won't hold its form in high speed situations. I had an Urethane bodykit from extreme dimensions and found it incredibly durable on a previous car.
I trust Pettit more than the others but if they are all made from the same company the pettit one is WAYYY overpriced.

I'm aware they require more work with fitment then the Plated OEM one corksport sells but I really would rather not have the plate bracket unless the other ones really are that shitty.

Also as another option I was looking at the shine burnout bumper. My main concern is the durability of the bumper since my 93spec bumper w/ lip scrapes leaving my driveway every morning. Hence the desire to stay urethane.

What's your thoughts?

 

I can only speak on personal experience on the Pettit one. It's fiberglass, fits perfectly and never let me down in "high speed situations". That said, it does cost a bit more - but they were the original guys to do it. Perhaps you're paying for quality / innovation with them - but probably won't be disappointed.

As for scrapping your driveway every time you leave. That's a bummer. Have you considered trying to smooth that out or raise the car a tad?

Here's a couple pics of the Pettit bumper installed:

 

Yeah, It just barely scrapes on the corner as i pull onto the road. Its the curb going into my driveway, not sure how my homeowners association would feel about me modifying it. I could raise the car, But i just love the stance it has right now. The gaps are already messed up in a lotta spots (not as squeaky clean as yours) but as long as it's not glaringly bad fitment I'll be alright I think.

The thing that pisses me off about the Pettit setup is they used to also supply the lip as well for the same price. Now they sell for the same price but the lip costs extra. I think I'll still do Urethane for piece of mind with the rubbing issue. I have to look behind my bumper at the bracing on it b/c the JDM support looks like it has something that wraps around the main radiator opening.

I read somewhere on here that all the plateless 99spec bumpers all come from the same mold so I may risk buying some ebay crap and see. Worst case scenario im out 250bucks, best case scenario i saved about 300.

Also just bought the bumper lights since they're discontinued. Rather spend 70bucks now than 400 later when they become worth their weight in gold. I'm not looking to swap anytime soon but i definitely dont wanna wait and not be able to find the lights cheap.

On the other hand the OEM bumper is always super valuable if i ever do go the route of a bodykit.

I dunno I'm torn but i need to do something b/c right now my front end is dragging my cars aesthetics down.

 

Ebay bumper + lights, killer price. Fitment 9/10, you'll need to drill the mounting holes and couple hours for fitment. Also read all of the urethane ones come from the same mold and has the offroad inscription on the inside, which mine has. Without the lip it's a little floppy but stiffens up, even more with a belly pan mounted. Hope that helps!


Not the best of quality but you get the idea...

 

Don't mean to thread jack but I am also looking for a 99 spec plateless front bumper. Pettit lists there front bumper as available in fiberglass and urethane. Seeing that there are many different versions is it more about professional fitment or the brand. I am trying to avoid the hood gap issues that I have seen and read about on this forum.

 

Can someone post the link to a ebay seller offering these bumpers or a listing? I have searched but to no avail.

 

Thread jack (kinda)

you are one of 3 people that i know of, with the Uras lip in North America

I have one and a guy about 1.5 hours from me had one to...


Damn it looks sexy painted to match and on 99 spec front end....


J.

 

Not really sure what you have been reading but all polyeurathane plateless front bumpers are made from the same mold. All of them.

BTW pettit has two versions fiberglass and polyurethane. As I said the poly one is made by the same mold as everyone else that is rotary extreme, extreme dimensions, ect, ect.... In other words brand has nothing to do with it.

 

Sorry, let me clarify. In terms of the material the mold is made from not so much the Mfg. which are all from the RE mold. The urethane version is more durable but has the hit or miss sagging issues while the fiberglass version does or does not have the fitment issues but is less durable for hard use ( AutoX, track days, DD ). If someone can clear this up for me, thanks.

 

im pretty sure thats a 99 spec lip?