In case you've spent much time on the road, your 2016 camaro front bumper has most likely taken its fair share of mistreatment from highway debris or those deceptively high curbs within grocery store parking lots. It's the 1st thing people observe when you're tugging up, and let's be honest, the cracked or rock-chipped face can definitely take the shine away an otherwise stunning car. Whether you're looking to change a damaged a single or you're simply bored with the stock look plus want something more aggressive, swapping out the front bumper is among the most impactful modifications you can make.
The 2016 model year had been a big deal for that Camaro. This kicked off the particular sixth generation, shifting the car towards the Alpha platform, making it leaner, meaner, and arguably much much better looking than typically the previous five yrs. But being the "new" design from the time means there are some specific quirks you should know about before you start unbolting things.
Why You Might Be Purchasing for a New Bumper
You can find usually two varieties of people looking with regard to a 2016 camaro front bumper: all those who have to and all those who want to. If you're in the "have to" category, you've probably handled a fender bender or the particular dreaded road alligator (shredded semi-truck tires). Because the Camaro sits so low to the surface, that front plastic is actually a magnetic for trouble.
Then there are usually the enthusiasts that just want a good upgrade. You may purchased the LT or even the RS, nevertheless you've got "SS envy" and desire that more open, aggressive grille. Or maybe you want in order to go all the way up and get that ZL1-style conversion. Either way, the aftermarket globe is absolutely flooded along with options, which will be great, but it may also be the little overwhelming if you don't know what to look regarding.
Choosing In between OEM and Automotive aftermarket
This is the large debate. In case you move with an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) bumper from the Chevy dealership, a person know for the truth it's likely to fit. The bolt openings will fall into line, the plastic quality will be top-notch, and the particular sensors will breeze directly into place. The particular downside? It's usually the most expensive route, and you're stuck with the exact same look you already had.
Aftermarket bumpers are exactly where things get interesting. You can discover 2016 camaro front bumper kits that will mimic the look of the top-end models. These are usually made of thermoplastic-polymer, that is a fancy way of saying "flexible plastic. " This particular is actually exactly what you want. Prevent fiberglass if you can; it's frail, cracks easily, and is an overall nightmare to match properly. Polypropylene may take a little bit of a hit and flex back to shape, much like the factory component.
The ZL1 Conversion Craze
One of the particular most popular mods for the 2016-2018 Camaro era will be the ZL1-style front bumper conversion. It makes the car look significantly wider and even more intimidating. Many of these kits come with the upper and lower grilles, the side bezels, and occasionally the front lip splitter.
If you go this particular route, just maintain in mind that will you might have to offer with your fog lights or day time running lights (DRLs). The wiring with an LT might not really be an immediate plug-and-play for a bumper designed for different lighting housings. It's nothing a little YouTube research plus some basic wires can't fix, yet it's definitely something to think regarding before you possess the whole car ripped apart in your own driveway.
Exactly what to Look with regard to within a Quality Bumper
When you're scrolling through choices, don't just click on the least expensive one you discover on the random public sale site. You need to make certain the 2016 camaro front bumper you're buying includes a several key features:
- Pre-drilled holes: It sounds simple, but some cheap bumpers require you to drill your very own mounting points. Unless you're a pro, that's a formula for a crooked bumper.
- Sensor compatibility: If your Camaro has car parking sensors or additional tech tucked straight into the front finish, make sure the particular new bumper has the cutouts for them.
- A good 1er coat: Most bumpers arrive in a natural black or grey finish. A great quality "ready-to-paint" primer makes your local color shop's job a lot easier—and cheaper.
The Struggle associated with DIY Installation
So, you've purchased your bumper, it's arrived at your house inside a substantial box, and today you're staring at this. Can you do this yourself? Absolutely. Is it a pain in the neck? You bet.
The 2016 Camaro utilizes a lot associated with those plastic "pop clips" and 7mm bolts. You'll need to pull back the wheel nicely liners and obtain to some pretty hidden bolts where the bumper meets the fender. This is how many people get discouraged. If you draw too much without getting that last hidden screw, you risk snapping the plastic tabs on your fenders, which is a much more expensive fix.
My advice? Get the friend to assist. Having someone to keep one side while you line up the other is a godsend. Also, invest within a cheap group of plastic trim removal tools. Using a flathead screwdriver is definitely a great way to scratch your color or gouge your new plastic.
The Cost of Painting and Colour Matching
Unless of course you're going for a "drift car" look having a mismatched black bumper, you're going to need to have it painted. Don't expect to simply buy a can of spray color from the hardware store and have got it look right. The 2016 Camaro colors, like Hyper Blue Metallic or Garnet Red, have got a lot of flake and level for them.
Most shops will cost anywhere from $300 to $600 just to paint a front bumper. They usually have to "blend" the particular paint into the particular hood and fenders to make sure the color match is usually perfect. Plastic plus metal reflect lighting differently, so actually with the exact same paint program code, a bumper may look slightly away if it's not really done by someone who knows what they're doing.
Keeping the Brand new Bumper Safe
Once you've lastly got your new 2016 camaro front bumper installed and looking pretty, you're probably going to be a little paranoid about every pebble on the road. It's worth considering a Clear Mycket bra or Paint Protection Film (PPF). It's a transparent level that takes the particular hit so your own paint doesn't have got to. It's an additional cost upfront, yet considering how much work you just put into the car, it's usually really worth the peace of mind.
Another thing to watch out for is the front splitter. If your new bumper includes a low-hanging lip, you're going to have to relearn exactly how to enter driveways. Take them at an angle! There's nothing more heartbreaking than hearing that "crunch" three times after installing a brand new part.
Gift wrapping Things Up
All in all, replacing or upgrading your 2016 camaro front bumper is one of the best ways to maintain the vehicle looking modern plus sharp. These vehicles are getting a little older now, but they still have ranges that rival very much more expensive sports cars. Whether you're fixing a mistake or even building your dream specification, taking the time to pick the correct material and having a solid paint work will make just about all the difference. Just take your period with those annoying clips, and maybe keep a couple of extras on hand—you're almost certainly going to break one!