US to Euro bumper conversion...any DYI instructions and guidelines? | FerrariChat

US to Euro bumper conversion...any DYI instructions and guidelines?

Discussion in '308/328' started by Nuno Andrade, Sep 2, 2019.

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  1. Nuno Andrade

    Nuno Andrade Karting

    Aug 24, 2019
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    Houston
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    Nuno Andrade
    Fchaters I have read some 10 year old posts on the subject. Are there any recent ones with instructions or guidelines ....special supports to use, etc.?


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  2. BillyD

    BillyD Formula 3
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    As I recall the rear mounts were modified with a cutoff wheel to elongate the holes. I made a new mount for the front out of 3/4 inch bar that I had around. Since the bumper is plastic and it’s just there for show it didn’t need a beefy mount.
    I think the Euro bumpers really improve the looks.
    Good luck
     
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  3. BillyD

    BillyD Formula 3
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    Didn't Rennspeed or some other Porsche supplier make fiberglass replicas that fit the original mounts? I bought mine for Euro Spares and thought price and shipping was fair, but that was almost a decade ago.
     
  4. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Jun 22, 2004
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    Which 3x8 are you talking about?
     
  5. Nuno Andrade

    Nuno Andrade Karting

    Aug 24, 2019
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    308 GTS QV 1983...sorry I forgot to mention it before
     
  6. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    Well, based upon nothing is the same between the two systems, it's pretty straight forward after that!

    Then you need a new front grill to match….
     
  7. derekw

    derekw Formula 3
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  8. sltillim

    sltillim Formula 3
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  9. 27811

    27811 Karting

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    Hypertrash
  10. Nuno Andrade

    Nuno Andrade Karting

    Aug 24, 2019
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    Nuno Andrade
    Im evaluating...so, for the rear bumper there is nothing needed?
     
  11. chris1866

    chris1866 Formula Junior
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    Mar 14, 2005
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    Berlinetta Motorcars make some Fiberglass euro replicas that bolt up to the US mounts, so there are no "permanent" modifications required.
    Install is tedious and requires some shimming, but much easier than trying to fit the "real deal", plus they are significantly lighter since they are just fiberglass shells.
    Don't recall the exact figure, but they are not cheap.
     
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  12. BillyD

    BillyD Formula 3
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    Correct on rear USA big bumper to Euro small plastic bumper conversion, just modify existing mounting pads by elongating holes.

    Sounds like you have a new to you stock 308QV GTS. I think I did all the mods most people do to their 308, here's my list in order I'd do:

    Get rid of the cats and get a performance exhaust to give it that Ferrari sound:
    https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=ferrari+308+on+dyno&&view=detail&mid=5503CC261FC5EAD222E95503CC261FC5EAD222E9&rvsmid=8F88197147EFC79998D58F88197147EFC79998D5&FORM=VDQVAP

    Suspension drop and rebuild if needed, they look so much better with less space between tire and wheel well

    Bigger wheels and tires if currently Metric wheels

    Euro bumpers and grill with driving lights

    Aluminum pedals

    Mine before and after, sadly I sold it. ;-(





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  13. Hannibal308

    Hannibal308 F1 Veteran
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    How did you do your front bumper?
     
  14. BillyD

    BillyD Formula 3
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    I used some 1 inch bar stock I had around and made some simple brackets. Bumpers weigh practically nothing so was a very simple design.
     
  15. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    I bought this set of Euro bumpers from a guy who had it done by a local fiberglass shop who has the molds for both front and rear bumpers. The shop is about half hour drive from me. The guy I bought it from also made me a bracket as you can see from the pics, the large tube goes in to the original US bumper shock bracket, the flat plate is welded to the large tube, the smaller tube goes in to the hole of the flat plate where you can adjust the depth then you can spot weld the it on to the flat plate, then the front bracket is where the Euro front bumper is attached to, and the last pic is the rear Euro bumper.

    I spoke to the shop who made this and he said he can also make the US style bumpers out of fiberglass which I’m thinking of doing if I want to keep the original US look bumper out of fiberglass. If there’s an interest maybe we can do a group buy to keep the cost down. Just a thought, any interest?

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  16. Nuno Andrade

    Nuno Andrade Karting

    Aug 24, 2019
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    Mike, How much are they charging? I can probably be part of the group if they are at an accessible price. Thanks


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  17. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    Not sure how much to make the US bumpers out of fiberglass, I still have to take my original US and show it to them.
    I did paid $300 for the each of the Euro bumper though.
     
  18. Hannibal308

    Hannibal308 F1 Veteran
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    I’m in for a euro set if your guy does them again...
     
  19. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    Ok I will ask them about making some tomorrow. By the way, the fiberglass shop did not make the bracket, it was the fella I bought the bumpers from, you might have to make your own.
     
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  20. Nuno Andrade

    Nuno Andrade Karting

    Aug 24, 2019
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    Can we have the dims used for the brackets? Confirm the price please and I may be in as well for the Euro bumpers


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  21. built2grind

    built2grind Formula Junior
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    Hey Mike, add me to the list as well. If we need a group buy to get the manufacturing started, put me down for a set.

    Thanks!
     
  22. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    Nuno, I’m sorry but what do you mean by dims?

    Ok I will call tomorrow and get some info.
     
  23. Cuddy K

    Cuddy K Karting

    Oct 30, 2017
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    Ian Karr
    Dimensions...
     
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  24. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    Ok thanks for clearing that up. I will call the guy who made the bracket and ask him for the dim or if he can make some more or I can just measure mine and give you the dim.
     
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  25. Hannibal308

    Hannibal308 F1 Veteran
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    All FYI...fiberglass front euro bumpers are $425 and rears $400 with free shipping on line...
     

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