Okay, it looks like I'm going to get just shy of $1k for my little rear-ender -- every estimate is within $20 and has them replacing the bumper cover.

So I'm really tempted to get an JDM IX rear bumper, since I like the look so much more than the stock one (it takes a lot of visual weight off the back end, makes the stance look more aggressive, and hides the exhaust pipe better).

So what's the final word on the brackets and support beams, and styrofoam (or whatever that non-metal stuff is behind the bumper)?

Is it safe to operate without it (the crash beam)? Is there a quasi-replacement for the beam?

Can I really install this thing in my driveway?

I've searched and read a lot on this, but the jury still seems to be out as far as safety goes.

Thanks for any advice,
AC

 

show meeh some pic of the difference and the new jdm

 

I am a fan of keeping bumper beams since I own a body shop and see countless cars get destroyed without them when they put bigger fmic or jdm bodykit, but I did have a close friend get into a horrible accident with his evo8 with no front bumper beam and he lived (60mph into huge rock)

 

Well, this would only be the rear bumper beam, I would definitely keep the front one.

I'm also considering some sort of custom fabrication of a narrow beam (it would be better than nothing).

Thanks for the input. In case anyone wants to know: bumper is about $350, painting is about $300, and labor is $300 for a stock to stock rear bumper replacement (this from a reputable body shop and a dealer body shop).

a

 

1k for rear bumper replacement is about average for most reputatble shops, I love the look of the jdm 9 bumper but I just would feel awful if my passengers were ever hurt in my car seriously because I bought a bumper because it looked better

 

Is that really greater risk to change a 9 bumper?

 

The JDM IX bumper is much shorter. Because of that, the stock support beam will not fit and needs to be removed. My understanding is that it absorbs much of the impact sub 15 mph. Anything over that, and it's useless.

However, without it, a love-tap can crack the bumper and need full replacement, rather than some touch-up paint and buffing.

There's a rumor that a JDM crash bar exists, but nobody seems to be able to source it. In any event it wouldn't be as beefy as the US version (we have very stringent safety and insurance regulations in this country), but it's better than nothing. Right now, I'm of the mind that if I can find the JDM crash bar (or a replacment), I'll go with that bumper.

Information on this has been spotty at best and contradictory at worst (just search on JDM IX bumper and read all the results).

So I'm just doing my homework now. Once the check comes in, I will want to get moving ASAP (JDM or USDM replacement . . .)

 

well it only helps in a 5-10mph crash, if its faster than that it wont be any different whether you do or dont have a crash beam

 

ill have a look if i can find out the part number for the crash bar behind the evo ix bumper for you guys, should have the service manual in a few days

our aus spec evo ix's come with with the jdm rear bumper STANDARD

 

yes

 

Interesting. Any ideas on why the jdm beam failed crash testing ?

 

slow crashes will shatter the bumper

 

if you could remove your bumper and take picture of the jdm crash beam that would be great. i have heard there isnt even one....

 

i'm in this predicament also - but i just went on ahead and got the jdm bumper...i talked to gruppe-s about the crash beam and they told me it was about 399 from their distributor...at this point, i was going to check at the shop where i got a quote from to see if they can perhaps fabricate some sort of crash beam, but gotta wait another few weeks til i get my bumper...i heard a quote from another post of a similar subject that stated that insurance wouldn't even cover you if the proper safety equipment (i.e. crash beams) wasn't installed - would like to hear what everbody w/ these bumpers did

 

the insurance point you brought up is a good one, a lot of people never think about that but it does happen, not always but there are cases of it