How to swap a TourX to Sportback front bumper

[Skynet]

As someone who is starting to collect the parts necessary for the GS front bumper and side skirt conversion I have a couple questions. I know the tow cover comes with the bumper cover. Do I also need to order the lower molding (39078740), #5 in the picture? Sorry if this has been clarified before, just trying to get everything straight.

GM parts direct shows that the tow eye cover will cost you about $40. I am uncertain about the lower molding, but I believe you need that as well. Can someone else chime in? I'm in the same boat, about the order these parts also.

 

[06SRMGTO]

GM parts direct shows that the tow eye cover will cost you about $40. I am uncertain about the lower molding, but I believe you need that as well. Can someone else chime in? I'm in the same boat, about the order of these parts also.

You shouldn't have to order the tow eye cover. It comes with the front bumper cover. The only thing I'm not sure about is the lower molding.

 

[Skynet]

You shouldn't have to order the tow eye cover. It comes with the front bumper cover. The only thing I'm not sure about is the lower molding.

Good to know. I'll go ahead and remove that from my cart. Do we have your answer for the lower molding?

 

[Iansignia]

Please share with us some pictures of your GSI

I will do, but I think you will be disapointed as it just looks like a TourX....Lol

 

[Zaxer]

Just fitted up some LaCrosse 20’s...it’s a little blingy, but I like it better than the graphite dip I used on the original wheels. Will see how I like it over time - definitely nice to have the wider footprint in summer...

 

[Skynet]

Just fitted up some LaCrosse 20’s...it’s a little blingy, but I like it better than the graphite dip I used on the original wheels. Will see how I like it over time - definitely nice to have the wider footprint in summer...View attachment 31132View attachment 31134

What's the specs on the wheels? Et, width?

 

[Zaxer]

What's the specs on the wheels? Et, width?

8.5” x 20”, et 40...offset is same as original 18” - so there is a slightly better “poke” with the 245 width tire...

 

[Zaxer]

couple more shots for posterity…

 

[Mr. Mister]

couple more shots for posterity…View attachment 31176View attachment 31177

This. This is perfect. If you ever want to sell...

 

[Zaxer]

This. This is perfect. If you ever want to sell...

thanks - I am pretty happy with it. The 20’s look good - but I now realize how bad many of my local roads truly are!

 

[D2R]

thanks - I am pretty happy with it. The 20’s look good - but I now realize how bad many of my local roads truly are!

We are in the snowbelt, mate. 😢
It is pothole galore!

 

[Zaxer]

We are in the snowbelt, mate. 😢
It is pothole galore!

no kidding. Glad I have the 18’s for winter!

 

[LLninja]

Love what you did to you car. I just got the bright red TourX last week and the black body cladding doesn’t bother me, but I’m going to at least put gunmetal grey plastidip over the fog light, over window, and rear tail light chrome. I’m also on the fence between gunmetal Gray or red for the chrome Buick and TourX badges on the back.

 

[Zaxer]

Love what you did to you car. I just got the bright red TourX last week and the black body cladding doesn’t bother me, but I’m going to at least put gunmetal grey plastidip over the fog light, over window, and rear tail light chrome. I’m also on the fence between gunmetal Gray or red for the chrome Buick and TourX badges on the back.

Nice! You may want to consider something like 3M blackout trim tape on the chrome bits - plastidip is known to flake off in the types of applications you’re looking to do…plus the tape is a bit easier to work with given all the stuff you would have to mask off.

https://www.amazon.com/JDMBESTBOY-Satin-Chrome-Delete-Window/dp/B087873GMX/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=3m+black+out+trim&qid=1624706364&sprefix=3m+black+ou&sr=8-3

 

[WaWaZat]

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I realize this is a frivolous project - but the cladding just isn't for me. I just ordered the side skirts...which will be the next phase 🙂

The Sports Tourer front bumpers I’ve seen in pix… until now!… have not had the opening for the side marker. Yours does! Do you know what distinguishes the sides marker and non-side marker part? I don’t mind painting.

Have you considered doing away with the side skirts all together? I like that look and wonder what exactly is involved in making it look factory….

 

[Zaxer]

The Sports Tourer front bumpers I’ve seen in pix… until now!… have not had the opening for the side marker. Yours does! Do you know what distinguishes the sides marker and non-side marker part? I don’t mind painting.

Have you considered doing away with the side skirts all together? I like that look and wonder what exactly is involved in making it look factory….

The left and right skirts are needed unless you cut off the series of metal posts that are welded (yes, welded!) to the lower rockers. There are 10 per side - and they hold the current black trim piece to the body (in addition to clips that snap on the underside of the floor panels) which also means grinding and then painting…the GS skirts seemed like a path of least resistance.

As for the side marker, could
you clarify what you mean on “side marker vs non-side marker part”? I know some others here (and on FB group) have tinted or even removed and filled/painted. I would like to tint them as well - but I’ve gotta get the rear skirt finished up first!

 

[cabrala]

The left and right skirts are needed unless you cut off the series of metal posts that are welded (yes, welded!) to the lower rockers. There are 10 per side - and they hold the current black trim piece to the body (in addition to clips that snap on the underside of the floor panels) which also means grinding and then painting…the GS skirts seemed like a path of least resistance.

As for the side marker, could
you clarify what you mean on “side marker vs non-side marker part”? I know some others here (and on FB group) have tinted or even removed and filled/painted. I would like to tint them as well - but I’ve gotta get the rear skirt finished up first!

I believe they're asking about the amber reflectors molded into the bumper. On my Sportback swap, there were/are no reflectors present. On Reid's GSi bumper swap, he had the markers (and tow hook cover) removed and plastic welded before painting. On other images of cars, there have been reflectors so I think @WaWaZat is looking to clarify what models do and do not have the reflector. I don't know the answer to that question and was surprised that I don't have them on my swap.

 

[Skynet]

Here's my Sports Tourer GSi that I'm currently working on. I've also had my side markers filled in through plastic welding. I'm still waiting on a few more pieces to arrive from Germany. Hopefully I can install my power folding mirrors this weekend.

 

[LLninja]

Here's my Sports Tourer GSi that I'm currently working on. I'm still waiting on a few more pieces to arrive from Germany. Hopefully I can install my power folding mirrors this weekend.

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You're making us all insanely jealous and wondering why GM didn't just sell the Opel here in the US without any changes. That would have saved on many parts, lots of engineering, and we would have been much happier campers.

That said, nice job. I don't have the same drive, desire, and tenacity that you have to retrofit my TourX.

 

[cabrala]

You're making us all insanely jealous and wondering why GM didn't just sell the Opel here in the US without any changes. That would have saved on many parts, lots of engineering, and we would have been much happier campers.

That said, nice job. I don't have the same drive, desire, and tenacity that you have to retrofit my TourX.

It's definitely not for the faint of heart. I am committed to mine now (at paint for front lip spoiler and rear skirts). Both my girlfriend and my wallet are looking at me sideways.