How difficult bumper swap ? (nt)

[york]

I have noticed that many post 74 02's have what is described as Tucked

bumpers which I guess improves the looks. What I was wondering is what does it take to place the old style crome bumpers on post 74's ?

Parts ? Labor time ?

and while we're at it how much to rid the car of those square tail lights ??

[Chamonix72]

Use the forum search for an idea about the bumpers. Search for terms, and separate each term with an 'and'. For example, search "bumper and swap" or "bumper and tuck". Many, MANY threads will be found.

As to switching from square lights to round, it would involve grafting one tail light panel for the other. I'm not sure the panels are the same size though. If you are doing the labor yourself, it's a matter of time and finding a decent panel. If you are having the work done by a pro, it's not a terribly difficult job. Also, you might want to swap out the deck lids as they are different as well. If you really want your car to look the part, you'd want the early style without the roundel.

[alpinaguy]

The bumper idea is a good one. In Europe the "squares" had the bumpers that the mid 71-73's had and Turbo had the pre mid 71 "short" style. Always a great upgrade for the "Euro" look. Also adds additional value to your car. As for conversion to round tail lights I would suggest not. You will diminish the value of your car and it will cost more than it is worth to do. It will always be a "square" tail light car and to resell it maybe difficult for that reason. Of course this is a matter of taste and preference. After you do your conversion square tail light cars looks are very acceptable. The U.S. bumpers are what make them look ugly. Do the conversion first and you will see. There are photos floating around FAQ of the Euro versions that you may get some ideas from. Good luck. AG

[jrhone]

If you want a round tail light car with small bumpers...sell your car, buy a pre-74.

The bumper swap I did on my 76....if you do the work its not too bad...maybe 500 in parts. Labor is about 7-8 hours. Thats not including paint and bodywork. It leaves holes where the big bumpers mounted in the body. SO if you are taking it to a shop, it may be a $2000 job total with paint and bodywork....if you want round lights, then you are taking the rear panel off an early car and welding it in place of the new rear panel on your car...also big money at a shop to have done correctly...but then your will have a late model looking rear, but early nose (you do know the early cars have a different nose...) So then you should make it match...more money...see where I'm going? Get a different car if you want a different car.

[john1180]

Might be easier to put a sunroof in this one! http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/2377976788.html

[Gordon]

I think square tail light 02's with Euro or early bumpers look awesome. In fact, I prefer a square tail light 02 with Euro bumpers over a roundie.

For everything you want to know about a square tail light 02 with Euro bumpers. http://www.my2002tii.com/sept_2002.htm

I did the early bumper conversion on my 74tii and it looks great.I previously had a Sahara 75 1802 when I was in the stationed in Germany back in the 80's and I wanted to duplicate that look.

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,50/page,viewtopic/t,343731/

G-Man

[jrhone]

I think square tail light 02's with Euro or early bumpers look awesome. In fact, I prefer a square tail light 02 with Euro bumpers over a roundie.

For everything you want to know about a square tail light 02 with Euro bumpers. http://www.my2002tii.com/sept_2002.htm

I did the early bumper conversion on my 74tii and it looks great.I previously had a Sahara 75 1802 when I was in the stationed in Germany back in the 80's and I wanted to duplicate that look.

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,50/page,viewtopic/t,343731/

G-Man

Agreed G-man....I think square light chrome bumpers is the best combo. But I am biased though...lol..

[KrautByTrade]

I've gotta admit...there's something seriously sexy about early chromes on a set of squares!

BTW...jrhone, every time I see the pics of your car...I drool! Very tastefully done.

[jrhone]

I've gotta admit...there's something seriously sexy about early chromes on a set of squares!

BTW...jrhone, every time I see the pics of your car...I drool! Very tastefully done.

Thx!!! Its a labor of love! Its my 2nd...so I learned my mistakes from the first one. The FAQ also keeps me on the right path!