[beeemveek1]

Apologies if this has been discussed before.
What's involve to put a 01-05 bumper cover on a NB1 99'? Any mounting modifications needed? Are the hardpoints the same?
My NB1 cover is quite knackered.

 

[GreenYellow]

It should be the exact same thing, but someone correct me if I'm wrong. The fitment of all the body stuff except the headlights/front bumper were identical between the NB1 and NB2.

 

[beeemveek1]

Thanks that's really promising. I'm completely new to the Miata world. I've own it less than 10 days and now spending way too much modifying it already. Hey I'm also in Sac... Cheers

 

[SLVMX5]

Did you try to search?

Front bumper fits but it will leave a gap under the headlights unless you get the NB2 headlights. With that in mind, you need the pig tails for the newer headlight bulbs. Fenders and hood are the same.

 

[beeemveek1]

thanks for the confirmation.
I got some aftermarket headlights made for NB2's and so I think it'll work.

 

[dliverance]

You will also need the clips that go on the fenders to hold the bumper. I just got mine in after having the swap done for 4 months.

 

[dliverance]

http://parts.arlingtonmazda.com/products/SLIDE,FRONT-BUMPER-(N066%2d50%2dE13A).html

here's the link for the clips. I think mine came out to $8 shipped.

 

[YellowYata]

How many?

 

[dliverance]

One for each side. They make a huge difference.

 

[YellowYata]

Good to know. Thanks. I'll order a couple for backup. Any such things for the rear?

 

[dliverance]

Not sure about the rear.

You doing a front end swap?

 

[YellowYata]

I'm going to be mounting my MSM spoiler but I'm thinking of taking the front bumper off and having them both painted together (spoiler is from a red '04). Have to take the fenders off for my BF fender braces anyway. Anyway, might as well install new clips while I have the bumper off. I think one is already broken anyway.

 

[beeemveek1]

You will also need the clips that go on the fenders to hold the bumper. I just got mine in after having the swap done for 4 months.

Great heads up.
I don't remember seeing those clips taking off the 99' bumper. Must be specific to the 01-05' bumper. Where and how do they mount to the fender?

Btw, the best quote so far for an OEM bumper cover is $310. Kinda given up junk yard, pick and pull, recyclers for a spare bumper; no one seems to have any. One recycler site quoted $180 for a reconditioned one but turned out they haven't had any for a long time.

any idea of what a reasonable paint job for a bumper would be?

 

[GreenYellow]

OH, the front bumper! I thought you were talking about the rear for some reason. :fp:

Yes, you'll need the headlights for the bumper to fit properly. The rear is the same, though.

 

[beeemveek1]

OK, Maybe a change of plan.
Would a 04-05 MS bumper fit on the 99-00? Difference of $60. IMO, the Madza speed bumper looks better. Who knows maybe it'll allow to car to gain 1-mpg...??? I know, I know, just rationalizing.

 

[beeemveek1]

Update:
I finally complete the 99NB1 bumper cover changes to a 01'.
So for those planning to do something similar...here are some observations. And a big thanks to dliverance for his advises.
These bumper are a direct exchange fit....But you will need.
1. two special clips as dliverance noted
2. be prepared to have some new panel clips. Some of mine were missing or broken. (clips for the mudguard to bumper, clips for the mouth, 4 large rivets for the bumper to large mounting bracket to the frame.
3. The inner fender mudguards does not fit prefectly. In fact 2 of the holes for the mudguards does not line up to the bumper. If you want it to fit perfectly, you'll need 2 new 01' mudguard covers (one per side).
4. you'll need to source 2 foglights & their mounting bracktes

Now I gotta figure out how to power the foglights. My 99' has a live foglight button/switch on the dash. It lights up when pushed. Is this switch powered by a ciruit in the engine bay fuse box? If so, is it somehow "connected" or is it separate from the headlight fuse?.


Also for those planning to refit a Mazdaspeed front bumper cover to a 99-00, this also apply. But I'm not sure if the mudguards can be rigged to fit.

 

[jester911]

Got any pics?

 

[pachood]

Where did you get the bumper? Did you find an OEM replacement new, or did you use a used bumper?

 

[beeemveek1]

I'll try to get some pics.
Bumper was a new OEM. After much searching for a use/old bumper it was not that much cheaper when you consider shipping/handling, more prep/repair for the painter, etc.

In hindsight I might consider a MS bumper instead since the 2 mudguard needs to be changed anyway.

 

[beeemveek1]

here's a link for clips
http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/Mazda_Clips_And_Fasteners_s/67.htm
much much cheaper than then dealers