Trimming Front Bumper Cover for FMIC

[derass]

I will be installing an FMIC and was just wondering what cutting tool/method offers the best results when trimming the stock (urethane?) front bumper cover. Any other advice in regards to this task would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[g2ic02]

Tape off a strait line and use an air saw/or reciprocating saw. You can use a cut off wheel but it tends to melt the plastic more.

[derass]

Good advice! Especially about taping off a line. An air saw seems like the better choice, as it is smaller and would better fit into the small spaces of the bumper.

I noticed the melting of plastic a few days ago when I used a Dremel cut-off wheel to make a hole in the A-Pillar trim for gauge wiring. I was able to clean up the hole by hand and with a file.

[ehhhregartless]

Or you can use a box cutter/razor

[rellik27]

Or you can use a box cutter/razor

This is what I used too. it went smooth.

[eek]

$10 harbor freight air saw, fast, smooth, and easy. Takes less than 10 min. I've tried using razor blades, even tried a steak knife its no where near as easy than using a air saw.

[97nismo]

I used blue tape for a straight line then used a jigsaw with the metal cutting blade teeth are closer together...then a dremel around the corners with a cutting wheel.

[blkvrtswp]

+1 for utility knife razor blade. Did around 20 of them like that. The other ideas sound good too especially if you have a freshly painted bumper.

[Ratpack_Chad]

I used a razor blade/ box knife it went fairly smooth.

[derass]

Thanks guys! I would have never considered a utility knife as an option. I assume you need to make a couple of passes to get through the material?

[blkvrtswp]

Use a trapezoid blade, stick it in the urethane and rock it back and forth until all the way thru. Then grip the utility knife with both hands and pull slowly towards you. Don't let it slip and slice yourself! Once it starts cutting it will cut clean thru in one pass. The trick is keeping it straight / on your guide lines.

[slowvia]

I used one of these, cut through the bumper with relative ease. I did cut myself, but ironically enough, it was actually the bumper that cut me, not the knife. After I cut off what was needed for clearance, I went back with a small file to smooth out any jagged edges. Probably could have been done quicker with an air saw, but I'm plenty happy with the results.
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