How to swap a TourX to Sportback front bumper

[danzig997]

When it comes to OEM Bumper bezels the set cost at least $414.20 for 4 pieces - they cost almost as much as bumper cover.

Trim Bezel, LEFT 13491164 $78.03
Trim Bezel, RIGHT 13491167 $78.03
Insert, RIGHT 13491168 $129.07
Insert, LEFT 13491165 $129.07






I found online aftermarket equivalents for $185.98 (Left and Right)

 

[Zaxer]

When it comes to OEM Bumper bezels the set cost at least $414.20 for 4 pieces - they cost almost as much as bumper cover.

Trim Bezel, LEFT 13491164 $78.03
Trim Bezel, RIGHT 13491167 $78.03
Insert, RIGHT 13491168 $129.07
Insert, LEFT 13491165 $129.07

Very similar situation to the sport back parts. The bezels, chrome inserts and extra trim that sit on the fog lights are about $345 plus shipping. A new bumper cover and tow hook cover is $440 (which includes a $75 core charge) plus shipping...

 

[danzig997]

These parts are pricey even some of them are made in China like Regal's grill. Bezels, chrome inserts are most likely also made in China since Regals are SAIC-GM plants in China.

 

[danzig997]

GM turned Buick into a Chinese brand so that’s Buicks' home market now. It’s simply heartbreaking to see what’s become of it. Buick may have survived where Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Saturn didn’t, but the saga is just as sad, maybe sadder. At least Pontiac died with dignity.

 

[moparsandvettes]

Agree - the bottom most fin looks a little weird - but I like it better than the silver version on the TourX. Body color would be very slick...

and upon further review, it would appear this was another option left in Europe. Note the body color across the bottom grill for OPC trim level... yeah - it sure does look pretty good...

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Zaxer, I picked up my lower grille yesterday and noticed that the bottom fin actually covers the lower part of the bumper cover. When I received my used Sportback bumper, it was painted body color. If you unsnap your lower grille, you might find that it is painted. I am going to trim off the lowest fin/cover on my new grille in a way that looks OEM before I install it to keep my new paint exposed. When I'm done, the nose will look like this white wagon.

 

[Zaxer]

Zaxer, I picked up my lower grille yesterday and noticed that the bottom fin actually covers the lower part of the bumper cover. When I received my used Sportback bumper, it was painted body color. If you unsnap your lower grille, you might find that it is painted. I am going to trim off the lowest fin/cover on my new grille in a way that looks OEM before I install it to keep my new paint exposed. When I'm done, the nose will look like this white wagon.
View attachment 25088

Brilliant!! never thought to look as my lower grill was already mounted and I never took it off...just shined a flashlight in there and I can see body color. However as you have to modify the lower grill somewhat, will there be enough to keep it in place...I note the grill does fit into tabs on the lower splash shield (or “stiffener” as Buick refers to it). Can you post pics of just the lower grill? would be a good to see how it mounts...

The OPC trim (white wagon as pictured) is actually a piece that snaps over the top and trails down both sides of the car. Ours won’t be as prominent - but still should look nice...

 

[moparsandvettes]

Brilliant!! never thought to look as my lower grill was already mounted and I never took it off...just shined a flashlight in there and I can see body color. However as you have to modify the lower grill somewhat, will there be enough to keep it in place...I note the grill does fit into tabs on the lower splash shield (or “stiffener” as Buick refers to it). Can you post pics of just the lower grill? would be a good to see how it mounts...

Brilliant!! never thought to look as my lower grill was already mounted and I never took it off...just shined a flashlight in there and I can see body color. However as you have to modify the lower grill somewhat, will there be enough to keep it in place...I note the grill does fit into tabs on the lower splash shield (or “stiffener” as Buick refers to it). Can you post pics of just the lower grill? would be a good to see how it mounts...

The OPC trim (white wagon as pictured) is actually a piece that snaps over the top and trails down both sides of the car. Ours won’t be as prominent - but still should look nice...

Here are pictures of the rear of the lower grille area and the cut line I am going to use. There are just push-in locks around the top perimeter. When I get the cut made (about 1 1/2” back from front lip), the bottom will rest on the stiffener. I’ll probably just put a couple small spots of 3M Black weatherstrip adhesive where the stiffener and lower grille touch to stop movement although it might not even be necessary.

 

[Zaxer]

Here are pictures of the rear of the lower grille area and the cut line I am going to use. There are just push-in locks around the top perimeter. When I get the cut made (about 1 1/2” back from front lip), the bottom will rest on the stiffener. I’ll probably just put a couple small spots of 3M Black weatherstrip adhesive where the stiffener and lower grille touch to stop movement although it might not even be necessary. View attachment 25090View attachment 25091View attachment 25092

Thanks! Amazing what hides in plain sight...thanks for posting this and for the discovery...looks like my dremel will now be working on both front and back (assuming you are using a dremel to cut that?). Would love to see pics when you've got it all mounted up. Incidentally I was just at the drive through at Culvers, and a guy in a MB GLS pulled up aside me and said "I had no idea...Buick has come a long way!".

 

[moparsandvettes]

Thanks! Amazing what hides in plain sight...thanks for posting this and for the discovery...looks like my dremel will now be working on both front and back (assuming you are using a dremel to cut that?). Would love to see pics when you've got it all mounted up. Incidentally I was just at the drive through at Culvers, and a guy in a MB GLS pulled up aside me and said "I had no idea...Buick has come a long way!".

I have an air jig saw like tool that I am going to use that's good for plastic and thin gauge metal. I think I can hold a steadier hand with it. My friend who owns a body shop will install the side skirts tomorrow and then I'll get the wheels, tires and springs on Monday. I'll post it up when I get it done.

 

[Zaxer]

I have an air jig saw like tool that I am going to use that's good for plastic and thin gauge metal. I think I can hold a steadier hand with it. My friend who owns a body shop will install the side skirts tomorrow and then I'll get the wheels, tires and springs on Monday. I'll post it up when I get it done.

good call on the air jigsaw...you will have a lot better control. Side skirts are a really easy job...my springs will be done in next couple weeks, then tint and the rear bumper (and now!) front bumper...hoping to be done by Labor Day.

 

[danzig997]

Some goodies from Europe:

Complete bumper assembly with grill and foglights, 2 headlights, LH+RH front fenders, hood. The cost is 1,209USD

 

[D2R]

I wonder if our BCM can work with those LED matrix headlights.

 

[Skynet]

Some goodies from Europe:

Complete bumper assembly with grill and foglights, 2 headlights, LH+RH front fenders, hood. The cost is 1,209USD

View attachment 25182

View attachment 25183

How? Where? Shipping?

 

[danzig997]

These parts are currently located are in the UE. It makes sense to buy these parts when rebuilding the front end. In my case, I am looking to buy from US GM dealer GS bumper cover and have a complete ASS Opel grill from the EU on its way.

 

[Mr. Mister]

Sorry I’m impatient but any progress on the rear bumper?

 

[Zaxer]

Sorry I’m impatient but any progress on the rear bumper?

Not yet - finally got around to having the springs installed, gave it a tint and goofed around with some dip on the wheels...hopefully can get to the front/rear trim this weekend...

 

[Zaxer]

still some morning dew on it, but a few quick pics on the progress and new stance. Letting the car settle in on the new springs - ideally finish front and rear bumpers in the next week...I’ve been going into work a lot more often over the last three weeks and it’s disrupting my progress!! 😉

 

[Skynet]

Looks awesome. Great job. That dew really sets off the color in the last photo lol. I can't wait to get started on mine. Where'd you find the front bumper?

 

[danzig997]

Very Nice! It looks like a Euro specs car. I am ordering parts for GS front bumper.

 

[Uniqez]

When it comes to OEM Bumper bezels the set cost at least $414.20 for 4 pieces - they cost almost as much as bumper cover.

Trim Bezel, LEFT 13491164 $78.03
Trim Bezel, RIGHT 13491167 $78.03
Insert, RIGHT 13491168 $129.07
Insert, LEFT 13491165 $129.07

View attachment 25051

View attachment 25050


I found online aftermarket equivalents for $185.98 (Left and Right)

View attachment 25054

View attachment 25052

View attachment 25053


View attachment 25055

The one on the left matches Opel's grill design, on the right Buick's