996 GT3 bumper swap on 996 NB Carrera

[Dervish]

Originally Posted by RaffiKaprielian

Hey Dervish, I like the mesh!!!! i had never seen it before, phenominal idea because i had to spend 20 minutes emptying everything from pieces of glass bottles to rocks and leaves and cigarrette butts out of the radiator air scoops the other day. I was amazed at how much junk came out of there. So can you please tell me where you bought the black mesh? and did you cut/trim it to size and install it yourself? It looks good, tasteful and purposeful.

I used AC Ryan MeshxPanel™ HEXX 500x500mm Alu Black (XP00618) from www.specialtech.co.uk You should be able to source something similar from any PC store. 1 sheet did 2 holes so you'll need 2 sheets for all 3.
First, in case you don't have it, here's the basics for taking the bumper off..
"1. Put the front up on axle stands.
2. Open the luggage lid and remove the black plastic cover around the latch. Use a big bladed screwdriver and turn the buttons 90 degrees to release.
3. Remove the 2 philips screws and cups underneath that secure the PU.
4. Remove the buttons that secure the front section of the wheel arch liners. BTW, taking the wheels off helps access but is not essential.
5. Crawl under the car and remove the row of philips screws and buttons securing the bottom edge of the PU.
6. Pop out the indicators by pulling the rear edge outwards and then sliding them rearwards. Remove the exposed screw underneath. You will also see the pointy end of another screw on the bottom edge.
7. Removing the bottom PU screws will have slackened off the wheel arch liner so tug it loose so you can get your hand and a screwdriver inside the PU, under the indicator position and feel for the last screw.
8. Put a dustsheet or similar on the ground and ease the PU forward. you will have to spread the sides a bit to get around the indicator moulding.
9. Have a beer and inspect the wildlife in your rads."

Once off lay the PU on a dust sheet or similar face down, carefull of scratches. Cut the mesh roughly into shape leaving a couple of inches all the way around, this will allow you to mold and fix. I used a 2 part epoxy resin to fix but others have used a hot glue gun. Apparently the GT3 bumper has grub screws around the holes which you can use. Just take your time getting the mesh to line up and let the glue cure fully. Then just follow the reverse of taking the bumper off.
Have a look at www.carnewal.com for the actual prefabricated grills.

[RaffiKaprielian]

WOW! great info, I appreciate you taking the time to post that not just for me, but for everyone who was interested in this thread. I think this information will help all of us, I'll let you know when i'm at the step where I get to enjoy a New Castle beer. Thanks again Dervish.

[Dervish]

No problem, I got the info from a few sources so it's just a case of passing the knowledge on...

[p0rsch3]

Originally Posted by RaffiKaprielian

Hi everyone, i got a couple of problems i need help on. Recently bought an OEM gt3 front bumper, wanted to install it on my 996 carrera and realized i do not have a third center radiator. The opening/duct in the middle of the GT3 bumper now looks empty and you can see right thru it to the floor/pavement. It looks bad but i do not want to spend $600 for a 3rd radiator kit. Would the stock black trim vinyl piece that was on my stock bumper where the 3rd radiator would have gone had i had one, ok to use or fit into the gt3 with some modifications? Or does anyone have suggestions for me? I do not want to spend any more than i already have on parts paint and labor...looking for a cheap fix or modification to the spare stock parts i already have off the old bumper to make the new one fit/look better and look like it belongs on the car rather than a cheap slap on part.

You should call Brian at www.afterhoursautomotive.com - he has the really nice race car stainless weave mesh. He did the mesh install on my 996 GT3 bumper openings, and also a custom block plate for under the top bumper RS openings. You may actually want to block off the front opening to pavement... I don't know how it will affect aerodynamics by having air pumped in the front and directly under the car. Might want to let Brian take a look at it since he is a genius with these types of solutions. Tell him Kurt referred you. He's located in Wilmington / San Pedro area. Really nice guy.

[p0rsch3]

one more thing- the stainless square weave mesh is bad-azz because it does not bend or dent if hit with rocks (like stamped metal mesh does). The weave "gives" and is made from a springy type of stainless wire. You could kick it with your foot full force and it would break away from the car before it dents.

[RaffiKaprielian]

Thanks Kurt....you guys are awesome, all of you, more helpful than any Porsche dealer in So Cal....I will look into getting a hold of Brian.

[DsoVIP]

where are the pics?!!

[RaffiKaprielian]

Ah yes, the pics, well the body shop is taking their sweet time putting the bumper back on....i guess the black Toyota Solara with a busted headlight being paid for by the insurance company got priority over me (a cash paying customer who has given this body shop more business than the Solara owner ever will, time to call and jerk their chain a bit). I should have some up by tomorrow or wed at the latest.

[Marc Gelefsky]

I think the bumper looks fine as is!