Ugly End of Bumper Plastic Cover

[Skyman]

Hi Skyman

What method did you uses for removing these "nasty bits of plastic"?

Hi, just followed the Quadratec video. It really is that simple. An hour tops, taking my time and enjoying my music as I worked. Have not felt the need to cut and replace the removed panels.

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[TJ2018]

Yes guys, my husband WAS RIGHT

Inconceivable

 

[mgroeger]

Hello everyone,

Just picked up Wrangler #6! I'd like to remove the plastic cover between the flare and the front bumper, but doing so seems to leave the back of the fog lights unprotected. Besides changing the entire bumper, any suggestions? It seems only the Sport model has these ugly plastic things!!!
Thanks in advance!

It's no big deal to have them exposed. We have an after market bumper and the lights are COMPLETELY exposed and have been submerged a few times and coated in mud and still work just fine.

 

[Bee-Rad]

I took off those ugly things as soon as I got mine and didn't worry about covering the back of the fog lights.

About 5000 miles later, plenty of water and mud, and haven't had any issues with the fog lights. I'm not worried about them.

 

[Ma$$iveDebtAche]

Just a different perspective...being a wanna be aero engineer, and having worked in aviation all my life, those things look functional to me. They're trying to keep the airflow directed around the front and not through the well. Does it work to reduce drag? I dunno. But they wouldn't make them with it if it didn't do anything. Maybe measured in tenths of a mpg at 100 mph. LOL.

I always thought they were more to comply with Europe's Pedestrian Safety Regulations. This includes not having large gaps in the front of vehicles, that a pedestrian can get caught in and be more severely injured. That's is why they are on all trim levels over there.

 

[BillG]

I was dead set on removing them back in December when I got my Jeep, but my husband said I should wait and not be hasty. Well, they have actually grown on me and now I'm glad I didn't trash them. Yes guys, my husband WAS RIGHT

A broken clock is right twice a day

 

[photowiz]

Incidentally, an OMT (oscillating multi tool) is the bomb diggity for cutting plastic. You can plunge cut, too, and control is great, it won't pull away from you.
I have a Dremmel one that works well.
HF sells a super inexpensive version, or Fein is at the other FAR END of the spectrum. I prefer my Milwaukee M12 simply because of the lack of a cord.

I have an OMT made by Dremmel that works really well.

 

[roaniecowpony]

I was dead set on removing them back in December when I got my Jeep, but my husband said I should wait and not be hasty. Well, they have actually grown on me and now I'm glad I didn't trash them. Yes guys, my husband WAS RIGHT

Wow! I can count the times my wife has told me that on one hand. LOL. And you documented it on the internet.

 

[ZEN357]

Why would you want to remove them? They are obviously there for a reason. Just wondering?

 

[Onyx Dragon]

Just a different perspective...being a wanna be aero engineer, and having worked in aviation all my life, those things look functional to me. They're trying to keep the airflow directed around the front and not through the well. Does it work to reduce drag? I dunno. But they wouldn't make them with it if it didn't do anything. Maybe measured in tenths of a mpg at 100 mph. LOL.

Removing bumper caps in front of tires has been done since the XJs had them. It doesn't net you much of anything. The most it might do is protect your tire if something is kicked up and heading towards it.

 

[GreyFox]

Why would you want to remove them? They are obviously there for a reason. Just wondering?

Aesthetics

 

[TJ2018]

On one hand those gap covers prevent the tires from slinging everything over the top bumper ends (that's a plus). But on the other hand they just don't look like they belong there to me. With all due respect to those who like them, it looks like a "this gap shouldn't be here ... let's fill it with this" sort of piece. Almost an afterthought. That 'bandaid' look just doesn't work for me.

 

[iznthesky]

Mark it and cut it off, then sand or file it smooth so it will still cover the inside of the lights. Throw the rest of it away.

 

[Sol]

The bumper fillers reminded me of the CJ-10 and just had to go.
Warning: disturbing reference image below...

 

[ZEN357]

Aesthetics

Just wondering. I personally wouldn't remove them to prevent slinging mud and grime everywhere but okay.

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