My new polyurethane font bumper is too flexible - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

mjstallion · 03-20-2008, 02:49 PM

As I posted a couple months ago, I'm getting a GT3 conversion to the front of my Box. It's closed to finished, but one thing I noticed when I took a look at it was the front bumper was EXTREMELY flexible. It could be pushed around, and if someone sat on it, they would probably sink in. I know polyurethane is supposed to be flexible, but is something missing for it to flex like this? I've never car bumper flex like that.

03-20-2008, 02:53 PM

Is the bumper OEM? Aftermarket??

mjstallion · 03-20-2008, 07:27 PM

Its a 997 GT3 OEM bumper.

mn box s · 03-21-2008, 10:16 AM

It cant be OEM. Hate to say it like that but really? I can help with problems but doesn't sound OEM, that shouldn't be a problem though. Add more and I can help.

03-21-2008, 10:35 AM

mjstallion, is your Boxster a 986 or a 987? Will a 997 part fit on a 986?

Gary in BR · 03-21-2008, 08:21 PM

I dont think a oem 997 part will fit on a 986 due to the headlights. Its poosible its a OEm style 997 GT3 bumper designed for the 986.

mjstallion · 03-21-2008, 10:44 PM

I am getting the full front conversion from LA Porsche Dismantlers. New hood, fenders, headlights, and bumper. Everything is fine, aside from the bumper, which is super flimsy, almost like a sponge. They have claimed over and over it's OEM, and that the polyurethane is supposed to flex like that, but I've never seen anything like it. Something is wrong.

easyc · 03-22-2008, 01:16 AM

look for the part number...

Jeph · 03-22-2008, 06:28 AM

Go to the dealer and look at their 987/997's bumpers. Do they feel the same way? Maybe there is supposed to be some filler behind it attached to the car to make it more rigid?

mn box s · 03-22-2008, 05:10 PM

Ive had an after market urethane bumper that was just the same way. Ive never seen any oem like that. Like said I'd look for a part number, look at one at the dealer. Unfortunatly I don't remember the last time I had a cover off of a porsche and when I did it did have reinforcement. I almost want to say they come with the reinforcement. Get some more advise from some one else that has done this before getting screwed. The really soft ones always have major solvent popping when baking.

yellowboxster01 · 03-23-2008, 07:53 AM

If you don't have the part number by tomorrow, I'll look it up at work for you.

I wish I could help you out as to what sits behind the bumper, if anything but, we haven't got any wrecked 987/997 through the shop yet. I suppose that's a good thing.

Well, for the owners of those cars.

mjstallion · 03-24-2008, 01:24 AM

I don't know the part number, but its supposed to be the 997 Aerokit.

BTW, this is being done by LA Porsche Dismantlers. Don't they have a good reputation?

mjstallion · 03-25-2008, 01:24 PM

I confronted the salesman at Porsche Dismantlers and he insisted the bumper was OEM. He said the reason the bumper was so soft was likely because it had been sitting in the sun for a long time. I told him that the hood and fenders didn't get soft, and he said that's because the bumper is polyurethane while the fenders and hood are metal.

I know that's true, but it just doesn't seem right. I'm used to Porsche bumpers and fenders feeling pretty much the same to the touch.

Can someone chime in on whether or not I'm being bull****************ted here?

TriGem2k · 03-25-2008, 01:58 PM

MJ,

Does the bumper have the Porsche Part Number on it?

Take a picture of the items in question and post them on the board. There are plenty of us here that have done facelifts. It really can't be that hard to figure out OEM from aftermarket.

mn box s · 03-26-2008, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjstallion

I confronted the salesman at Porsche Dismantlers and he insisted the bumper was OEM. He said the reason the bumper was so soft was likely because it had been sitting in the sun for a long time. I told him that the hood and fenders didn't get soft, and he said that's because the bumper is polyurethane while the fenders and hood are metal.

I know that's true, but it just doesn't seem right. I'm used to Porsche bumpers and fenders feeling pretty much the same to the touch.

Can someone chime in on whether or not I'm being bull****************ted here?

said... the hood and fenders don't get soft in the sun... duh! I can't help you anymore just buy it I could care less now.