Fitting an LE500 bumper to a TF. - MG-Rover.org Forums

CJJ · 04-10-2009, 23:38

If anybody out there told you that an LE500 bumper fits straight on to a TF, then they lie like a cheap watch.

The idea was to update the front of the TF with the more shapely LE bumper, and would be an easy fit, or so I thought.

While I like the TF front, the rectangular black bit always looked a bit out of place.

So I bought the LE500 bumper which has a bit more shape to it. You can see the difference here.

The good news is that the screws along the top of the slam panel are the same, and the fastenings to the wings are the same.

Unfortunately, the bad news is that the rest of the fittings are different

The adaptor that secures the fog light to the bumper has six screws (See above). They are different spacing on the LE500 bumper, although the foglight is probably the same unit.

Found out since that the fog lights do fit. The spacing on the bottom of the bracket is different to the top, so make sure that you have the foglamp the correct way up. Hey, it was dark.

The grill and air dam securing points are different. They need some "modifying" to fit.

But the biggest problem that I found is that the holes in the front of the bumper where the 2 splined bolts secure the bumper to the armature didn't line up.

On the old bumper, the holes lined up with the second hole up (you can see it has a nut welded on the back). The LE500 bumper holes line up with the very bottom hole, which has no nut.

So, off came the armature, opened up the bottom hole with a drill

Found suitable nuts

and out came the welder

then a coating of Hammerite to stop the old rust

and back on with the armature

The bumper now fits.

Got to admit, when I took it for spraying, I was tempted to go with the orange, but I resisted and went with the Royal Blue and an LE500 MG badge.

The finished article

mogatrons · 04-10-2009, 23:46

Deep Blue is looking stunning Clive.....I'm loving the vented bonnet and new MG front.

She's got real presence now.

Just need some blue lens indicators with orange bulbs to finish..

Top Job mate!

phil-hex · 04-10-2009, 23:50

excellent write up and it was well worth the bother

must admit it does look good with it still orange though!

CJJ · 04-10-2009, 23:54

I know. How weird is that?

CJJ · 04-10-2009, 23:56

Just a before and after to compare side by side. It's a hell of a difference when seen together.

Iain160Trophy · 04-10-2009, 23:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJJ

I know. How weird is that?

did you say the had them in yellow?

Adam-MGTF · 05-10-2009, 00:00

dam sexy clive!... now we need a bonnet vent how-to

Figo · 05-10-2009, 07:04

+ 1 :P

MG_CHIC · 05-10-2009, 07:15

Absolutely gorgeous Clive!

The LE500 bumper combined with the vented bonnet give Deep Blue a really mean look now! Looks like she could eat mazdas for breakfast!

Bartop · 05-10-2009, 08:22

Really like the new bumper, very subtle but looks much better. Top job as usual fellah.

designad · 05-10-2009, 08:30

You have far too much time on your hands my friend.

but I like it.

For a minute there I really was tempted to say it looked naff and you should change it all back

CJJ · 05-10-2009, 09:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by MG_CHIC

Looks like she could eat mazdas for breakfast!

It had one this morning, lightly poached with toast.

PaulMGTF160 · 05-10-2009, 09:27

That looks Fantastic! If i get hold of one for mine you fancy doing it?

Ok is there another thread with the pics of the car finished after its respray?

*goes to look*

CJJ · 05-10-2009, 09:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulMGTF160

That looks Fantastic! If i get hold of one for mine you fancy doing it?

Ok is there another thread with the pics of the car finished after its respray?

*goes to look*

Just the Blackpool photo threads really.

Here's one for you

PaulMGTF160 · 05-10-2009, 09:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJJ

Just the Blackpool photo threads really.

Here's one for you

WOW!!!!! loving the wheel fitted to it now!

ErikB · 05-10-2009, 09:42

Perfect job, perfect write up ... result is super !!
It looks faster

Keep the pictures, if you ever want to sell the car (I hope not), you could tell the new owner the bumper was wanted and not needed due to a crash.

Another TF with newer LE500 bumper:

CJJ · 05-10-2009, 10:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErikB

Perfect job, perfect write up ... result is super !!
It looks faster

Keep the pictures, if you ever want to sell the car (I hope not), you could tell the new owner the bumper was wanted and not needed due to a crash.

Another TF with newer LE500 bumper:

Cheers mate.

The thought had crossed my mind. I will be keeping all the respray photos just to show there was nothing untoward going on.

steve1951 · 05-10-2009, 12:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJJ

Just a before and after to compare side by side. It's a hell of a difference when seen together.

Duh!!! Where I come from side by side means errrm, side by sde.

nicktg · 16-10-2009, 19:54

Ooh just tried out Petevicks new CJJ page and found this post I'd missed.

Brilliant write up as always you are much admired on here and rightly so, I wish I had the readies to do half the things you've managed to do to your car which is outstanding

... and wow your TF is looking amazing it's much more like an F now it has the proper grilles at the top...whens the headlight conversion going on?

Deano · 16-10-2009, 20:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJJ

Cheers mate.

The thought had crossed my mind. I will be keeping all the respray photos just to show there was nothing untoward going on.

top notch mod.. i reckon if you did ever come to sell the car, it may even add to the price and you should get more money for the fact that it has the LE500 front.

tbh.. i have never really had an up close and personal look at the LE500 front, and i got to say now that i have seen it, it makes the normal tf front look bad.

the LE front looks a million times better.

04-10-2009, 23:38	#1
CJJ Mudslinger extraordinaire Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ashington, Northumberland Car: MGTF 160, Focus ST2, KTM 640, Kangoo Van Posts: 16,899	Fitting an LE500 bumper to a TF. If anybody out there told you that an LE500 bumper fits straight on to a TF, then they lie like a cheap watch. The idea was to update the front of the TF with the more shapely LE bumper, and would be an easy fit, or so I thought. While I like the TF front, the rectangular black bit always looked a bit out of place. So I bought the LE500 bumper which has a bit more shape to it. You can see the difference here. The good news is that the screws along the top of the slam panel are the same, and the fastenings to the wings are the same. Unfortunately, the bad news is that the rest of the fittings are different The adaptor that secures the fog light to the bumper has six screws (See above). They are different spacing on the LE500 bumper, although the foglight is probably the same unit. Found out since that the fog lights do fit. The spacing on the bottom of the bracket is different to the top, so make sure that you have the foglamp the correct way up. Hey, it was dark. The grill and air dam securing points are different. They need some "modifying" to fit. But the biggest problem that I found is that the holes in the front of the bumper where the 2 splined bolts secure the bumper to the armature didn't line up. On the old bumper, the holes lined up with the second hole up (you can see it has a nut welded on the back). The LE500 bumper holes line up with the very bottom hole, which has no nut. So, off came the armature, opened up the bottom hole with a drill Found suitable nuts and out came the welder then a coating of Hammerite to stop the old rust and back on with the armature The bumper now fits. Got to admit, when I took it for spraying, I was tempted to go with the orange, but I resisted and went with the Royal Blue and an LE500 MG badge. The finished article __________________ *I like reality, I've been there a few times, but I wouldn't want to live there.* Last edited by CJJ; 28-04-2010 at 20:22.

04-10-2009, 23:54	#4
CJJ Mudslinger extraordinaire Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ashington, Northumberland Car: MGTF 160, Focus ST2, KTM 640, Kangoo Van Posts: 16,899	I know. How weird is that? __________________ *I like reality, I've been there a few times, but I wouldn't want to live there.*

04-10-2009, 23:56	#5
CJJ Mudslinger extraordinaire Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ashington, Northumberland Car: MGTF 160, Focus ST2, KTM 640, Kangoo Van Posts: 16,899	Just a before and after to compare side by side. It's a hell of a difference when seen together. __________________ *I like reality, I've been there a few times, but I wouldn't want to live there.*

05-10-2009, 00:00	#7
Adam-MGTF Teesside Meet Organizer Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Teeside Car: MG TF Posts: 2,279	dam sexy clive!... now we need a bonnet vent how-to __________________ Teesside meet 22nd August!!! 3pm at Teesside Park Linky: http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthrea...=1#post3968832 "Theres something about engines, that calms me down"

05-10-2009, 08:22	#10
Bartop Supporter Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Farnborough Hants Car: MG TF 160 80th Anniversary in Goodwood Green Posts: 752	Really like the new bumper, very subtle but looks much better. Top job as usual fellah. __________________

04-10-2009, 23:50	#3
phil-hex Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Hexham Northumberland Car: MG TF 135, Galaxy ghia Posts: 736	excellent write up and it was well worth the bother must admit it does look good with it still orange though!

05-10-2009, 07:15	#9
MG_CHIC Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Brighton Car: MGF Posts: 4,862	Absolutely gorgeous Clive! The LE500 bumper combined with the vented bonnet give Deep Blue a really mean look now! Looks like she could eat mazdas for breakfast!

05-10-2009, 08:30	#11
designad Noone ever reads this bit Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Orstralia mate! Car: 98 MGF 1.8i Posts: 1,735	You have far too much time on your hands my friend. but I like it. For a minute there I really was tempted to say it looked naff and you should change it all back __________________ 1998 MGF 1.8i - Solar Red Stainless roll hoops & nipples, alloy knobage, 52mm alloy throttle body, lowered to 300mm, Viper Induction, Toyo R1R's, MS Slick Shift, shift light, TT Mk4, stainless decat. Member of MG Car Club of Queensland http://www.artxdesign.com.au/hillclimb.gif

05-10-2009, 09:27	#13
PaulMGTF160 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Oxford Car: Other Manufacturer Posts: 2,954	That looks Fantastic! If i get hold of one for mine you fancy doing it? Ok is there another thread with the pics of the car finished after its respray? goes to look

05-10-2009, 09:42	#16
ErikB Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Antwerp, B Car: MGF Posts: 1,258	Perfect job, perfect write up ... result is super !! It looks faster Keep the pictures, if you ever want to sell the car (I hope not), you could tell the new owner the bumper was wanted and not needed due to a crash. Another TF with newer LE500 bumper:

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