XLS Bumper Questions

[SDizzle]

Alrite I got my 2000 Ford Explorer XLS, and I hate the plastic crap. You know what I'm talking about, the wheel wells and the bumpers and everything is like a grey faded plastic.

First, what is under the plastic? Like can I take it off and it would look smooth, or would it look retarted? Could I get it painted to match the car or would that be more retarted?

Second, if I can't remove it, what can I do? It's starting to bother me more and more each day, so PLEASE respond and let me know something. Thanks.

 

[blue_97_v8]

get it painted!!!!!!!!

 

[bentley]

Originally posted by blue_97_v8
get it painted!!!!!!!!

i second that

 

[SDizzle]

Alrite, if I do paint it, would I go about approaching it as if it were a body kit I was painting and get it primered and stuff? I dont know anything about the stupid plastic that I HATE WITH A PASSION.

And also, I'd still like to know what is under neath the plastic, make sure you post and let me know!

 

[Nicaraguense]

2000

What is under the plastic,
Underneath the plastic is a strip of metal about 2-3" wide that goes across the frame. Rivited to it is black plastic about the same width and about 3" thick. That would be your actual 5MPH bumper part. That piece of metal bolts directly to the frame. Your fog lights (if applicable) bolt streight below that. I know because I drove around for about a day like that when I got my tires until I could get longer bolts and shock absorber bushings to push it out away from the frame about an inch so that my new 32's woudn't rub. It looks like the devil but I put it back on to meet the 5MPH bumper law requirement.

 

[kkreit01]

I have the same vehicle, and I don't mind the plastic. I don't have the XLS Sport, so I only have the bumpers in the grey plastic. I like it because it's easy to care for, and it's very durable (don't have to worry about rock chips, dents, etc. To each their own I guess...

PS. I take it you don't like the original Aztec or Avalanche either???

 

[SDizzle]

Its not that I hate it, but I just think it doesnt look good with the theme I'm going for on my car you know? I like the chrome bumpers that are on some Explorers, could I get those and put those on my car or would they not fit? Also, where the hell would I get that, cuz I looked for chrome bumpers for a 2000 Explorer to no avail. Thanks.

 

[blue_97_v8]

a chrome back bumper from a 98-2001 explorer will work..now with the front bumper anything from 99-2001 will work..i think chrome would look much better

the bumper's will bolt up just fine

 

[SDizzle]

Does it have to be a spefic model bumber? Like I saw chrome bumpers for XLTs, would that fit on my XLS? If so I see where my next couple of pay checks are going to

 

[blue_97_v8]

yes xlt would be chrome..any! explorer bumper from 99-01 will fit your truck on the front..on the back any bumper from 98-01 will fit..this also mean's limited bumper's and EB bumper's will fit..there is no differance