Anderson Composites Type-ST bumper and fender install

[Performance nut]

I'm going to start this off with this is going to be a long project. I am in no hurry to finish this as there are challenges with this install that we haven't fully gathered enough information to make a decision. This is not going to be a 100% stock installation so your results may vary. I'll try to indicate where we deviate when possible. Some measurements will be best effort and definitely not CAD worthy. Where it really matters, I'll attempt to be more precise (no promises though).

Second I want to thank @beefcake for making me an offer I couldn't refuse and @Anderson Composites for the help they have provided and the help I'm sure we will need as we go. Thank you very much.

Now the good stuff.

• I'm running a stock base Mustang GT front bumper and fenders still with the stock louvers and PP belly pan.
• Stock usable area where air goes into the vehicle came in around 342 sq in. The type-ST came in around 611 sq in. My goal is to use as much of that as possible for cooling and aero.
• Both usable areas have the same honeycomb mesh though the Type-ST lacks the Mustang emblem which will improve airflow as I have no intention of replacing it.
• The top grill and the divider (no better word for it) seem to be identical on both bumpers in many ways. I'll know for sure when I mount the front license plate holder (required by law and not by choice). If this is true, should make any stock modifications in these areas work on the Type-ST.
• The entire bottom of the bumper is 100% different as the pictures show. Height, width, shape... all different by quite a bit. This is where you gain all the extra usable area for airflow. I'm hoping to utilize additional coolers in this area.
• Site lists 1.5" extra width that I intend to confirm and put to good use. More to come on this.

Some opportunities

• Additional cooler installation locations
• Larger volume of air for the radiator
• Additional clearance for aero and cooling (tunnels and deflection plates)
• Heat extraction via fender vents
• Custom fender emblem perhaps? The shape of the Type-ST fender and the stock GT logo seem to not jive well. It almost begs for a redesign.
• I'm very likely going to either modify the stock hood with Race Louvers or get a new hood. With the rather significant change in overall bumper area, potential airflow increases, and changes mentioned above; there may be ways to further take advantage of the modifications. Or there may be nothing really to improve. This project may sway my decision in one way or another.

Now the challenges

• Outer lower grills may be a challenge to make functional. I'm hoping to put plate coolers on either side for transmission and oil.
  • I'm waiting on the fender extensions to see how AC intended this area. For now it looks like air deadheads between the fender well and radiator housing which means the hot air from the coolers will need to pass through the radiator. I'm hoping to find a way where that air has a different stream than the radiator to reduce radiator inlet air temp but at the same time not create create aero problems. I'm also wanting to prevent heating of the air Inlet filter housing but insulation can be added if necessary.
  • The other challenge is supporting and protecting the coolers which my installer says he has experience with custom bracing. More to follow.
  • Radiator deflection barriers may be necessary to take advantage of all this extra air. Radiator position will very likely stay stock as repositioning it may create new challenges.
• The stock belly pan needs to be bent a bit to connect to the bottom of the Type-ST bumper. This is required for bumper support and rigidity.
  • This will mean the aerodynamic flat bottom the belly pan creates will actually be curved. This could be advantageous (create aero tunnel) or a huge problem. Regardless a custom splitter solution will be necessary to maintain a flat bottom.
  • The custom splitter will need to be carefully designed as this bumper is 2.5" lower. After driving Corvettes for years, I can attest to the great many bottom bumper casualties our club had due to excessively high speed bumps, steep ramps, or deep pot holes. I rather avoid replacing a custom splitter (even if I follow @Flyhalf splitter solution which is absolutely great btw).
• Fenderwell clearance may be a problem for large wheel setups. A huge reason I want this setup is to run wider wheels without poke.
  • Again I'm waiting on the fender extensions to see what the intension is. Maybe nothing to be concerned with at all. Stretching of the fenderwell was mentioned though which may cause clearance issues for wider than stock wheels. Im hoping I misunderstood this part of the installation.

Really looking forward to this project. If you have thoughts about the opportunities or challenges (or something I missed), feel free to share. If you don't like the bumper/fenders, please refrain from commenting even if it means I'm doomed to destroy the intrigy of the Mustang community. I have a thick skin but I know I grow tired of reading these comments when I'm looking for answers. Others looking at this bumper/fender combo may wish to get to the helpful information quicker without the negativity. I'm more interested in contributors/builders/viewers and less interested in hecklers/naysayers. I appreciate it, thank you.

Sponsored

 

[wingnutt]

time for some good old fashioned CAD…

…as in Cardboard Aided Design

 

[Performance nut]

time for some good old fashioned CAD…

…as in Cardboard Aided Design

That is probably going to be necessary for the custom splitter and any walls. The mockup is going to be a very big deal.

 

[davbrucas]

That is probably going to be necessary for the custom splitter and any walls. The mockup is going to be a very big deal.

Update?

 

[Performance nut]

Update?

Yep. Short story is the project is dead in the water until I find professionals who are willing to work with me. If you are considering these, many installers install this kit here in the US so its not the kit. Be sure you have someone you trust committed to painting before buying this kit though.

Long story: I have had three installers lined up and three installers back out. Everyone sees the fiberglass and they head for the hills as if it is asbestos. I live in a major city which has body shops that advertise they install body kits. I cannot find anyone, including Ford, who will touch these body parts.

Without professional installers, painters don't want to paint it which is reflected in the extremely high pricing they gave me even if I bring in just the bumper and fenders by themselves (not mounted). I actually had the same people quote repainting my entire car stock and fully assembled and it was less than taking the bumper and fenders unmounted. That on top of refusing to do any sort of warranty on their work once it leaves their shop. So if the color is off, tough. If the clear starts to peel, tough. If it starts to bubble, not their problem.

I'm seriously in over my head on this as I have never painted automotive paint before. Closest I have done are models, some of those were done with rattle can spray paint and I wouldn't even begin to say it was automotive paint quality. The few where I may go so far as to say maybe close to what you would expect on a car had no where near the size or amount of complex curves and shapes the bumper and fender has (smaller area and less complex made it significantly easier to lay and get a smooth finish). I got pointers from Anderson and other installers on how to install the parts where I'm willing to give the install a try. But without paint, they are as good as paperweights in my garage. I actually considered going with DYC just so I can get something covering the car but it just looks bad up close and its only a temporary fix.

At this point, until I get some way I am confident the project can be finished once it is started, it is dead in the water. I was very excited to start this and now just feel silly having bought parts I can't use. These are so niche and so large that reselling them is pretty much impossible. The best I'm hoping for is I eventually find someone who is willing to at least paint these and warranty against defects.

 

[davbrucas]

Sounds like a pita. Doesn’t sound like it’s worth the hassle.

 

[Performance nut]

Sounds like a pita. Doesn’t sound like it’s worth the hassle.

For you specifically, hard to say. I'm just west of you and if you don't know someone personally (or have a friend of a friend you can trust), I wouldn't do it. Again, the pieces are good quality but just can't find anyone to install and/or paint. If you can do both, I would say it is definitely worth it.

 

[davbrucas]

Gotcha...I have a few friends in the body shop business. You looking to sell?

 

[Ma5koff]

any update on this? I am interested in knowing the fitment out of the box and quality of the fiberglass.

Sponsored