How to Install a Front Body Kit Bumper on your VW
If it is straight bolt-on bumper, you'll be able to directly bolt-on your body kit bumper to the factory bolt holes. If not, you've got some custom work on your hands. If extensive fitment or modification issues come up, it is recommended you drop off your VDub at a professional body shop experienced in installing aftermarket body kits.
Rivets are necessary if you are not doing a direct bolt-on body kit front bumper.
1) Examine your front bumper and notice where there are screws, bolts and clips. When you remove these, make sure to put them in a safe area where they can't get lost. Even better, put them in zip lock bags and label them.
2) Remove the front bumper cover (these directions apply to 99-05 Golf, Jetta and Cabrio)
a. Remove the radiator grille. With the hood open, locate the hood release handle where it connects to the hood release lever. Raise the small cover, and use a screwdriver to pry the two sides of the release handle from the pins on the release lever. Pull the handle out through the opening in the grille. Pull out the plastic pushpins at the top of the grille and release the clips with a screwdriver. Lift the grille up and out.
b. After that, there are four mounting fasteners in the front of each fenderwell, four through the front of the bumper cover, and three in the area where the grille was. Remove these to loosen the bumper cover.
c. Have a friend hold the other side of the bumper cover and slide it off.
3) Get your new bumper and test fitment on your VW. Make sure nothing is interfering with the placement of the bumper and fit on the car.
4) If fitment is correct, move on to installation. If fitment is incorrect, then you will have to modify, remove or reposition certain components on the car such as reinforcement bars, etc. Do what you need to make it fit and then test the fit again. Many aftermarket body kits don't directly line up to the car, especially cheap molded fiberglass kits from unknown companies. We recommend you purchase a high-quality kit from a brand on Extreme VDub that will guarantee fitment for you. If you can afford to get a polyurethane (bendable) kit, they are 100% recommended from experience and worth every extra penny you will spend.
5) Hi-quality aftermarket bumpers should fit the way the factory piece was. The most important element to great fitment is the drilling process. Holes should be drilled in the places that will give the bumper a great fit. Usually, in the same place as the factory bumper. Keep fitting your bumper to mock up the holes where they would be best.
6) When the bumper is in place, shaving or filling may be required. Many aftermarket bumpers require this because certain areas are made with more material to lower damage risk. Additional sanding, cutting or fitting may be required if the car has been in an accident or previously modified.
7) When you've got your front bumper fitting perfectly, be precise and drill the holes.
8) After you drill the holes, prep your bumper to be painted. You can either paint the bumper on or off the car. Fill, sand and primer. Mask all of the areas around the bumper that aren't being painted. The quality and appearance of your paint job will depend on your patience in taking the time to get the prepping perfect. You don't want to show off your VDub with a crappy looking front bumper!
9) Make sure you have all your paint materials, mixing cups, gun and cleaning materials (or spray can if you're going the backyard route) ready and are in a suitable location to paint. Then, paint the bumper. Be sure to use a mask to avoid inhaling toxic fumes. Clear coat if necessary.
10) Do a final once-over to make sure everything is secure. After this is done your custom front bumper installation is complete.
A hot new look should be your result. If there are problems, contact the manufacturer directly and let them know asap. A good manufacturer will always guarantee fitment.
Here's a helpful video, if you have a MK4 Golf/GTI.
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