1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Dramatic change to front bumper; Lexus inspired

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by SunDevilDrake, Mar 25, 2016.

  1. SunDevilDrake

    SunDevilDrake Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2015
    58
    21
    0
    Location:
    Gilbert, Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Mock up of plastidip or vinyl to modify the look of the Gen 2 front bumper. Inspired by the look on the newer Toyota/Lexus models.

    20160325_092202.jpg 20160325_092202.jpg 20160325_090533.jpg
     
    Sergiospl likes this.
  2. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2011
    2,732
    1,703
    0
    Location:
    Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Will need some more grill lines or honeycomb, no?
     
  3. SunDevilDrake

    SunDevilDrake Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2015
    58
    21
    0
    Location:
    Gilbert, Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    The intention isn't to make it look like a Lexus but to use the Lexus look for inspiration. Adding honeycomb would be too much work.
     
  4. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2012
    1,880
    708
    75
    Location:
    Carrollton, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Did you go thru with this transformation yet?
     
  5. SunDevilDrake

    SunDevilDrake Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2015
    58
    21
    0
    Location:
    Gilbert, Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    No and I may not. Don't want my car to be too different since I use it for business to business sales.
     
  6. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2012
    1,880
    708
    75
    Location:
    Carrollton, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Do the plastiDip, if you don't like it, just peel it back off! (y)
     
  7. Sergiospl

    Sergiospl Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2011
    3,938
    1,351
    28
    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Chrome strips to highlight lower grill a bit?
    upload_2016-3-27_12-0-11.jpeg
     
    SunDevilDrake likes this.
  8. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2009
    5,596
    3,770
    0
    Location:
    So. Texas
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Interesting. Unfortunately plasti-dip is a not a good choice for leading edge applications as it will chip, pit, and peel in no time. If you like the mockup, best to consider paint/clear-coat.
     
  9. SunDevilDrake

    SunDevilDrake Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2015
    58
    21
    0
    Location:
    Gilbert, Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Wouldn't vinyl be simple enough to apply, durable, and removable?
     
  10. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2009
    5,596
    3,770
    0
    Location:
    So. Texas
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    If we're talking DIY and you're not experienced, it can be very tough to apply around complex curves and angles. Pro's make it look easy. Vinyl will still chip but it's way more durable than plasti-dip. On the front, you'll see the most wear the lower you go so it may not even bother you.

    It will also depend on your typical driving environment. If you're a city driver, vinyl would do fine. If you're a highway driver with cars typically right in front of you, it will see much more wear.
     
  11. SunDevilDrake

    SunDevilDrake Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2015
    58
    21
    0
    Location:
    Gilbert, Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    I didn't find vinyl too difficult to work with when I vinyl wrapped multiple interior pieces in the Audi I used to own. But I had the luxury of taking off the parts to work on outside of the car.

    To make this front bumper install right I'd assume it's best to at least take off the lower grille and maybe the upper grille.
     
  12. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2012
    1,880
    708
    75
    Location:
    Carrollton, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    The middle grille trim comes off but the center piece doesn't. Under the trim is a section of the bumper the trim screws to. Don't think taking that off would be much advantage. Taking off the lower grille would definitely help. Heck, taking the bumper off completely might help better.
     
    SunDevilDrake likes this.
  13. Pruis-er

    Pruis-er Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 2, 2015
    18
    3
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    this one's interesting