has anyone installed the rear bumper protector (the stainless steel one) themselves? instructions say it requires drilling--I assume it's just through the plastic of the bumper?

instructions also mention a rubber roller--is this required for the install?

would love to hear if this is a DIY or not.

 

If you are talking about Part# 08P01-TZ5-200 than yes I have.
You do have to drill 4 holes thru the top of the bumper but there is a template.
The hardest, most nerve racking , part is placement of the template.
I'm one of those that if I make a mistake even if it is covered up I known it is there.
There is 3m tape on the bottom of the protector that adheres to the top of the
bumper that is why they want to use a roller but not needed.

It is a fairly easy diy job.

 

thanks for the info. for the drilling, is it just through plastic, or is there metal underneath as well? just wondering if my regular wood drill bits would suffice (they are not metric, but I suspect that I can find the closest size).

 

The drilling is thru plastic. the holes are for straps that pass thru to the under side of the bumper. The hole size does not need to be precise just close.

 

I couldn't get myself to drill the holes through the bumper. I used 3M tape and it's been on for 3 months without issues. I used this:


I'll upload pics when I get my camera.

 

I installed it last week, Very easy, hardest part is lining up the template if give it a 2/10 for difficulty.

 

I didn't drill any holes either. I've had mine on for over a year and there is no indications of any lifting/loosening.

 

So I went ahead and installed the rear bumper protector. I was on the fence about drilling holes versus using automative double-sized tape--ended up with drilling the holes. Here are some pics for anyone who might be considering the same.

I used painters tape to attach the template. Also put a piece of painters tape on the bumper beneath the template where the holes would be made. The picture also shows the spare tire (only for AWD models of if you installed the spare tire kit) lowered to provide access to underneath the bumper for the clips.


These are the clips for underneath the bumper. Basically works like a zip tie to secure the bumper protector.


There are 4 of these on the bumper protector--these will go through the holes that you drill in the bumper. You can see the ridges on each strap--works like a zip tie.


I didn't have any metric drill bits (instructions ask for 10mm for the final size), so I used a 3/8 drill bit. I didn't start with a smaller bit and gradually move up to the final size. Since you use a push-pin to mark the hole, I just used a 3/8 brad bit. Very weird feeling putting a drill bit to the car.


Be sure to remove the burrs from both the top and the bottom (under the bumper).


Here a pic from underneath the bumper of the clips attached the the straps. Making sure the burrs are removed from the hole will help to get this clip on securely.

 

No final pix??

 

Will this bumper protector fit a 2007 MDX ?

 

sorry, no final pix. figured there's already pictures of what it looks like installed.

and no, I don't believe this will fit the 2007 MDX. the curvature is specifically for the 2014-2015 model.

 

Just thought you would want to show off your final work/product

 

Hey, I know it's been a while since anyone wrote on here but I need some help. Does anyone that installed the bumper protector still has the template. I had the kit but my wife needed the box it came in and threw out the template. Now I'm stuck with the kit but no Template. If I somehow can borrow one or buy one off someone that installed it, that would be great. -Vic

 

To be honest, I wouldn't drill the holes. I used 3M tape to cover the underneath of the protector and stuck it on. I used a box cutter to cut the straps off closely. You can just rest it there initially and use some blue painters tape to mark the corners and then apply it with the 3M tape.

Here's a pic of mine with the Tape. I've had it on for 10 months and absolutely 0 issues. I just couldn't get myself to drill holes in the bumper.

 

Thanks for your quick response. I would have to look into the 3m tape, not sure I want to do that. I live in NYC and just thinking between winter and summer. Winters have been brutal lately I Just want to install it properly and not have to worry about it coming off later.

 

The 3M tape to use is automotive attachment tape like seen here: Masking Tapes

They are VERY strong. I use them from various body kit parts, badges, etc and they have never come off.

Since this piece is sitting on a surface, I would be even less worried about it coming off.

 

Oh and of course, wash the surface of the bumper and use alcohol to remove oils before attachment.

 

Thanks, I'll try to find a local store here that has it. Would like to see it before I buy.

 

The 3M automotive tape is exactly what I was referring to. You can read more here and check the reviews.
I've used it for attachment to glass, metal and rubber and have never had any issues, even in cold climates.

 

To add more confidence, it is what we use to attach the same type of piece to Subaru rear bumpers and mine has been on for... 10.5 years now.

 

Ok sounds good but I should probably get the double sided one right? Like this one

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006QYB3JG/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A23ADOZFI JNPFB

 

Yup, double sided. That one works. There are different thicknesses so just find the most appropriate one.

 

If you still want the template, I plan to purchase and install this guard in about 10 days (right after Memorial Day). I'm traveling until then. Be happy to send it to you then.

 

yes. i am thinking of the same as I am from Boston.

the weather changes from cold to hot might have some impact on the double sided automobiles tape if you went with that alone. Securing it with screws plus the double-sided tape, should provide piece of mind that it wont fall off while driving, or pulled off while dragging say a stroller--for those that are too weak to lift up and out.

 

Never had an issue with mine for the decade that ive had it and my subaru was my primary snow vehicle. I took it off this year after i wanted to repaint the sucker due to extensive uv damage from 10 years and it was tough as hell to get off.

Ultimately, go with what gives you peace of mind.

 

Thanks again gtinmia for the great pics and notes. Installed mine in under 30 minutes, including re measuring multiple times.

For others doing an install: Drilling the holes and using the zip tie like hold downs was easy. After drilling the holes you can quickly do a trial fit (before removing the cover from the tape) to be sure it's aligned correctly. If you somehow did drill it wrong, it should be an easy fix. Remember the holes are completely covered. You can redrill or enlarge a hole, even use a washer under an enlarged hole, and nothing will show. I know others claim that some extra tape will be enough, but I wonder about that after a couple years of weather extremes and dragging heavy suitcases and such across the thing? Easy enough to use the OEM designed method!

 

I just did this as well in under 30 minutes. The toughest part was taping down the template. I give it a 1/10 on difficulty and no way would I ever pay someone to do this job.

I used 1/8", 1/4", 5/16" and 3/8" drill bits instead of metric and they worked fine. I actually think a 3/8" bit is better than 10mm, since it is a tighter fit for the zip ties, so less chance of movement and mis-alignment.

 

Bringing this thread back, but for those that went the automotive tape route. Why did you purchase tape when it appears the part has double sided tape already installed?

 

That's bc they cut the tab off and made it flush (nothing sticking up). Then fill the molding with additional 3M double sided tape. Instead of drilling a holes and mounting it.

Be sure to clean all wax and grease from the paint prior to applying the molding.

 

^

 

That makes sense. Basically you're adding more adhesive to what is pre existing to compensate for the removal of the clips. This ended up being one of those questions that seems obvious after the fact. Haha

 

Annnd of course nothing sticks like the real 3M stuff. I have to say even on OEM parts that come with adhesive, they sometimes lose adhesion and I just end up re-taping with the 3M stuff I bought.

 

had mine on since fall of 2013, added in a couple long strands of industrial double sided tape, its on there for good, no budge at at!!! I keep my car outside as well on the driveway...