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I've finally fixed up a front lip for my faded red beauty but wonder what others have done to attach the lip to the bumper. I've got the hardware to attach to the front of the wheel wells and the center of the bumper but haven't a clue as to what was used in between. I'm sure at one time there were some special clips of some kind. There are some holes in the bumper and the lip. So for those with experience please share.
- Do I even need the missing clips?
- Is it a good idea to use trim tape between the mechanical attachment points (where the missing clips used to be)?

Thanks

davmac wrote:- Do I even need the missing clips?
- Is it a good idea to use trim tape between the mechanical attachment points (where the missing clips used to be)?

-i'd recommend that you have the clips as there seems to be a bit of vibrations on our bumpers that even cause untouched lips to break/separate
-you won't need tape if you have the mounting hardware (whether it be stock or self made) and i don't see tape holding up too too well as that would be a lot of wind against the lip being on the front of the car, but i'm not positive on that, that's just a guess

well normally you'd just take your bumper off and look at the back of it where you'd see marks specifically for where the holes for the lip should be then just drill holes where the marks are then the lip would have hardware that you would just poke through the bumper and you'd bolt it on but since you don't have the hardware i guess you'd have to find an alternative like maybe using a small bolt with washers on each side to make a surface to clap the lip and bumper together maybe?

I tried tape for a long time and water from running over puddles makes it fall off so that is not the best option. I got all of the parts below and they were helpful in me mounting it up. Mazda still sells some of the mounting hardware and this website is the cheapest to get them from (pictures show them)...

Joint - metal piece goes in middle and holds two halves together
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/ ... atalogid=0

Fasteners - basic plastic pieces
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/ ... atalogid=0

Retainer - these are metal retaining clips, think you need (4) M8x1.25 bolts to hold these in, can be found at Home Depot (bring retainer with you to make sure its the right bolt)
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/ ... atalogid=0

If you need to call the guy there he's cool and can answer questions. Keep in mind if you lip is cracked (as many do towards the center) these alone will not keep your lip up and it will sag. They are nice because they are OEM. I also used a mounting hardware kit I picked up from Advance Auto to fasten in a couple other of the spots where the lip can accommodate.

Thanks for the input. I think I have *most* of the oem hardware, but am missing and have never seen the hardware that supports the lip between the center section and the wheel wells. I ordered what I thought was right from Mazda, but what they sent was some plastic push rivets that are not big enough to fit in the couple of holes that are in the bumper. I expected these to be a kind of plastic stud since it looks like the lip would slide over the top of them. I may try the trim tape just in those areas to help support the lip. I just recently fixed 2 complete lips and am painting one to match the car. I'm really excited to mount it. Now if I could only find or justify the money to repaint the car ...



BTW if you have any pictures or part numbers for what I imagine are plastic studs that would be great. I'm also open to any other suggestion to add that extra level of support.

Thanks again.

I don't know what the OEM hardware for that areas is, only what you have noted in that picture. For those holes, I used a trim mounting harware kit from Advance auto, it comes with different sized screws and mounting tabs and you can choose which will secure the lip to the bumper the best. This will work best if you have a GS bumper since the bumper cover itself has mounting holes pre-drilled into it (My original bumper was an RS and I just mounted it in every place I possibly could without drilling and it worked out ok). I also used 3M mounting tape but I think the hardware has done the most in keeping it supported. Here is a couple of pictures of my lip mounted (easy because my bumper is off to make it easier for my BP swap!)

Here is a picture of the center of the lip with the parts mentioned above labeled

Here is a picture of the mounting hardware (screws + tabs) holding the outer parts.

And For the ends near the wheel well I have two Fasteners on each side.
(no picture, use your imagination )

Thanks for the pictures. I've got the confidence to get this thing mounted. Now I just need some cooperative weather so I can finish painting. It's been raining on and off all weekend. I've made some progress but still have to add clear coat before I'm able to put things back together.

When I pulled my lip last fall I had to grind some screws that were rusted to what I would assume are the OEM clips... PITA really, and I'm cleaning/repairing my lip right now for re-install. Might look into something a little sturdier... or just use more clips I guess.

zap straps work. well a combination of the clips and zap straps worked well for my car.