09 bumper cover

[CanadianViking]

I swear that I had read a thread about upgrading older XLRs to the 09 front bumper, but I just spent 20 minutes searching the site and couldn't find it...so my question is, what is involved with installing a 09 front bumper cover, fog lights, etc. on a pre-09 XLR? is it a strait up replacement or is there more involved?

 

[1BADXLR]

The '09 bumper fits directly inplace of the '05 bumper. It takes a few parts to do it, but I think its well worth the end result. My ACC worked with the '05 bumper, and I had it placed directly behind a "v-series" logo on the lower grille, STILL WORKS! Keep in mind you'll have to paint the fenders too, to fog in the freshly painted bumper. Best upgrade I've done to my XLR.
You need:
'09 bumper cover
'09 foglights
'09 foglight grilles
'09 upper & lower grille (theres a few different combination you can go with)
pigtails, to connect old harness to new foglights
Plastic kit wind deflection under bumper cover (3 piece kit)
Chrome lip on hood (optional)

 

[b_pappy]

I do agree the '09 front end looks great. Thanks for the list.
Bruce

 

[1BADXLR]

Would also like to add, once I did the switch, I got a check engine light. Went to the dealership and they pulled up a code saying "too much air entering engine compartment"... lol, "remove aftermarket grille". So I removed the lower wind deflector, and have never gotten the light again, and she still runs cool. Thinking about it, from an '05 front end, you go from your only air source is that lower wind deflector and a small part of the lower grille. In the '09 grille setup I did, I was getting air from upper and lower grilles and lower wind deflector. Literally took me longer to get the car in the air, then it did to take the wind deflector off.

 

[RenownXlr]

So only 2005 and up will except a direct bolt on 2009 bumper.What is needed for the 2004 model to accept the 2009 front end?

 

[Johnson1989]

I assume the application would be the same for 04. I'm currently rebuilding an 04 that will need a new bumper cover(assembly) and have considered doing this myself, the only thing holding me back is the cruise control situation. It sounds like it worked out great for 1BADXLR, but I'm still a tad reluctant about going that route. In the end it will come down to the total cost of the conversion vs. going stock. Fortunately everything on the bumper assembly needs to be replaced anyways so the cost difference shouldn't be too high. If I go this route I'll make sure to put up a thread showing results.

 

[RenownXlr]

Great would be nice to know if it is a direct swap for the 04 also to obtain the 09 updated fascia.From what i read it has to be a 05 and up for a direct swap 09 fascia but i have no yet confirmed.

 

[Johnson1989]

I'll definitely have to do more research then. I wasn't aware there were any structural changes between 04 and 05, but I guess it wouldn't surprise me either haha. Hopefully I can find an example of someone else doing it on an 04. I really like the 09 bumper/grill combo, but I'm not going to do extensive modifications to make it work.

 

[nerkpowers]

Talk to these guys about some XLR parts. Most of their stuff they bought from for XLR's going to Europe, so you have to be careful what you buy. I know they had a grille when I was there. They also had at least 1 4.6L N* crate engine and 1 4.4L supercharged N* crate engine. Seemed like they had more XLR stuff, but probably best to talk to them to see what they have.
They are located in Columbus,OH. I talked to Gordon.

Autopartsplus
614-351-8250

Tim



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[cubby558]

Don't know where you heard that, but I find it hard to believe. There are no structural differences in 2004-2009 models. The 2009 differences were all cosmetic.

So only 2005 and up will except a direct bolt on 2009 bumper.What is needed for the 2004 model to accept the 2009 front end?