3rd Gen - Raptor spraying lower front bumper

Hi guys, long story short, I scratched my passenger side lower front bumper (corner right below the headlight) over the weekend on my '18 TRD Off-Road (I'm so angry at myself right now). Luckily, it's scratched the paint and no damage to the actual bumper.

I've decided this is a good opportunity to Raptor spray the bumper. I've watched several videos of how to remove the bumper on Youtube but I do have a couple of questions I am hoping you folks can help me with. Since most of the Youtube videos have been about installing lightbars on the bumper and they kind of gloss over the specifics on how to take the bumper off. My knowledge of cars is very limited, but I figure I'd try to do this on my own and save some money.

1. Do both the foglights share a connection that I can just unplug? The videos I've watched doesn't address this and I was wondering where the plugs are located or how you'd disconnect the lights so I can fully remove the bumper.

2. Is it possible to remove the black strip (usually where the lightbar would go when people install them)? If not possible, I'd have to Raptor spray that as well, and my worry is that since it's plastic, the spray might not stick. From what I've seen, most people just break it when they try to remove it so it would not be re-attachable.

3. Also, saming thing for the black lower valance plate. Is it possible to remove the plate without breaking the tabs that attache it to the bumper. If not, I'll just spray that as well.

4. Additionally, I think I'll upgrade my stock fog lights while I have everything gutted, Any thoughts on which brand of lights to go with?

This is the spray kit that I'll be working with:

$140 Raptor Black Urethane Spray-On Truck Bed Liner Kit, Protective Paint with Spray Gun, for Tailgates & Trucks, Vehicle Undercoating, 4 Litres

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CKE7B1E

Would love to hear from those who have done something similar. Thank you in advance for any tips or suggestions!

 

I did a quick photoshopping job but this is essentially what I'd like how the Raptor spray to turn out. Would love to hit the chrome trim as well but unsure if Raptor spray will stick or should I go with Plastidip.

 

That actually looks pretty good. Not sure what you should use but I’m sure someone here will chime in giving you an opinion.

 

Nice.

Where do you live that there's so much snow on the ground?

 

Looks like one of those car bras...meh

 

Aftermarket bumper

 

I'll probably get an off-road bumper but they're a bit too rich for my blood at this point. They're at least $1,000 for parts and not even sure how much for labor. I was speaking with a mechanic at a shop by my work today and he says that an OR bumper will actually lower the front tires lift a bit, so that kind of turned me off.

 

That's actually just a random photo I pulled from google just so I can photoshop what it'll look like. I was at work and didn't have a photo of my actual truck handy. But to answer your question, I live in Colorado.

 

Just get the bumper fixed. Won't cost that much (less that a steel aftermarket) and you are gonna have this truck for a long time I'm assuming.

 

Looks like, I dunno...



How about vinyl wrap graphics instead?

 

That's also a good idea as well, thank you for that solution. I'd imagine vinyl is another cost effective option. Would a vinyl wrap place be able to warp around the angles and contours?

Yeah, I'm going to hit up a few body shops on my way to work in the morning to get some quotes. In all honestly I'd rather get it repainted but it seems like it'd be the most expensive solution.

Finally got a chance to take a pic of the scratch on my bumper.

 

Plastidip won’t last for shit on chrome, raptor would be better, but in either case you’ll need to sand / scratch the chrome for anything to stick and actually last.

 

Dude, just get some touch up paint. They come in several different forms (sprays, pens, bottles) and call it good until you can afford the bumper you want. It's a truck, nothing wrong with scratches on the bumper. I assume part of the reason you bought a truck is because it can handle a little abuse

 

Vinyl wrapped Tacos:

https://www.buywrap.com/products/me...l-blue-urban-night-camouflage-vinyl-wrap-film

 

To answer your questions:

1. Your fog lights can be disconnected right at the source. You can grab the bulb from the back of the housing and turn, and the harness and bulb come right out.

2. If I remember correctly, I think this grill piece is attached to the fog light trim area parts, and seperates as one long piece..

3. The lower valence part does pop in with clips, you just have to be careful with removing. Remove the bumper first, and go from there.

4. As far as fog lights, there's a few options depending on what you want to spend. The cheapest is just new bulbs; all the way to a retrofit etc..

If your not confident with the turnout of what your wanting to do, you could look into just getting a replacement bumper from the base SR models - they are the black plastic like the fender flares. Go through ebay or anywhere else besides the dealer.. Removing and replacing everything is super simple

 

Like others said, touch up paint, it’s just going to scratch again

 

That's a great idea...check the for sale sections of this forum for sr or even already matched takeoffs. People put new bumper on all the time

 

Just as a heads-up to those suggesting touch-up paint, be careful with the shades.

As I've talked about here the shades can be quite different. I have a scratch on my bumper and the touchup paint was the shade of my cap, not the shade of my truck.

 

Appreciate the tips, this is really helpful.

Thank you for the boost of confidence man. It's just disheartening mainly because I've only had the taco for a few months. Was hoping to be able to drive a couple more months before I start getting some dings, haha.

 

http://www.automotivetouchup.com

Great stuff made to match factory color codes. Also have the clear coat to order