How-To: Raider's Bumper Fitment Fix for Mazdaspeed 3 2007 to 2009

5/14/2017: Ordering is even easier! RaiderFab is partnering with www.quik-latch.com for DIRECT ORDERING! They have taken in RaiderFab hardware, so you can order it all from them! All MSO members need to do is use promo code RAIDERFAB at checkout for 30% discount, good throughout the website, if you need to order a full kit for the headlight area.

http://www.quik-latch.com/mazdaspeed-bumper-quick-disconnect.html

@Youngwonder made a how-to as well:
http://mazdaspeeds.org/index.php?threads/how-to-raiders-bumper-fitment-fix-v2.2577/

Tools:
Loctite (Red or blue)
10mm socket and a ratchet (or wrench-but you need 2)
10 mm wrench
Cordless Drill
Step Bit-largest diameter 3/4"
Punch/awl
Claybar Ball, or a piece of clay. Something moldable and sticky.
Patience
Vise Grips (if installing a 2nd latch up front into the bumper bracket)
10 mm socket to remove bumper bracket bolt (again, if installing 2nd latch)
phillips and flat blade screw driver
Jack and Jack Stands
Tools to remove your wheels.


As many of you know, I wrote the how-to for the Gen1 Mazdaspeed 3 Quik Latch Installation. I have been working on a solution which eliminates the rear bumper bolt being needed to be removed for the bumper to removed. Why? 2 reasons. 1) When the bumpers get pulled off or damaged, that is the part of the bumper that never gets flush again. Even with the 2 latches in the plastic bracket. 2) It is a pain to have to deal with.

So last year, my proof-of-concept was tested on my old bumper. Fast forward to 2016, the new bumper already had fitment issues. So latches were going on. I decided to put the RaiderFab brackets to use. This bracket is in development to be sold, so many people can use this. Or bend up bar stock and make your own. It was a pain with a Dremel though.

The first step was to get a new plastic insert for the fenders, as well as the screw that goes up and in. Why did I do that? Because shitty body shops used speed nuts to fix it, not OEM parts. So if you do not have em, this is what you need. I ordered through Edge Autosport.

Parts (I ordered 2)
Plastic Bumper Insert thing:
GJ6A-50-0Z5
Screw:
9CF600516B

So now onto the latches. First thing I noticed, is that the newer version of the brackets are black. Having installed the studs into both the white and black ones, I recommend replacing them to the newer black versions before you install the latches. The black ones are more pliable for the latch stud, and are not brittle.
Right Side: BR6C500U1A
Left Side: BR6C500T1A

Ok, so now that is done, time to get to work.
Put car on jackstands, remove front wheels.
Remove the fenderliner push tabs into the bumper, and move it out of the way, or remove completely.
It helped me a LOT to remove the front bumper. Bunch of phillips screws underneath, as well as in the center area. If you have TMIC, remove the air flow duct things, as you need to reach down and pull up on clips holding bumper to the crash bar. Unplug foglights and the bumper will come off.

Screw the bracket to the bumper. Ideally it will be centered in the adjustment slot, but can be moved if needed. Install the custom pin and spring kit if you purchased it. Use a nut and washer on the back side of the bracket, and tighten it to the fender once aligned. It will take a little working with to get the latch pin in the proper depth to catch the latch. Again, patience. I recommend using blue or red Loctite on the hardware to keep it nice and tight. Match installation points on the other latch (or take a pic of it for reference to help the other side. Once dialed in, use the 10 mm wrench and socket/ratchet to tighten the pin to the bracket.




To be able to fit around the bracket, the bumper MUST be trimmed. That is basically removing all the weak part that the bumper used to attach to the fender with. It is wasted by then. Mine was. This is what worked for me.


Next up is the bumper drilling. I used claybar, rolled up in small balls. Placed on the top of the pins. Then pressed bumper on. You will want it in the center of the bumper area like in the pics. I used a center punch to mark the spot where the clay stuck, then drilled a small hole. (reusing my old pics for some).



Mounted again to confirm alignment. I used my step bit again, but drilled inward and stopped each step for alignment. Was a lot easier this way. If it is off-center at one of the steps, just move the drill towards the center 1 step, and then straight once centered. Install the latches to the bumper for a test fit once drilled through the largest point. Not centered? Fear not, just use the drill, and push the bit toward center a tad, the latch will cover small gaps. Repeat.

FOR SECOND LATCH INTO BUMPER BRACKET ONLY: Remove far forward bolt in bracket (10mm). Install Spring kit if purchased onto the latch pin. Use a small pair of vise grips, and grip the stud tight, and rotated the pliers to get it to screw in or out. The ball of the latch stud will need to be pretty close to flush with the bracket top. So tightening and loosening the nut will take some time. This is where the new brackets really help. I removed and reinstalled a few times and no worry of breaking.



Single Latch install.

(Need a better pic of Driver's side)

If the headlight area is loose, you need 2 per side like me. If only the fenderwell, you just need 1 per side and the RaiderFab/Maisonvi Latch Bracket kit on sale now!

 

I need this in my life!!

 

@Maisonvi and RaiderFab will be teaming up on the bracket for a refined solution for the bracket which will help so many people!

 

Im here to help. Once we get this drawing made up, hopefully I can figure out a decent price on a bunch of these.

 

Must have, plus the black with match my black car.

 

I'm down with this. when I get my fender replaced I bet the shop will break the tabs and flippity-floppity bumper.

 

Yeah, mine tried to do me a solid by installing new brackets with the latch studs. Were not in enough and never sat right. This is perfect for me.

 

This is awesome. I might have to try it this summer. Thanks!

 

Any chance of getting white latches? Fantastic solution, however I'd rather they be a little more incognito.

 

Update! White! http://www.quik-latch.com/white-mini-quik-latch.html

That said, I think polished would look sweet on the white cars.

Metal Members will also be getting a huge discount on orders. Just got the info from Quik Latch. Will post today.

Metal Members, check out the Group Buy Section, as the discount info is posted!

 

what size are you running? Is there any advantage to any of the different diameters?

 

I am running the mini latches. You will want them. Bigger ones will not fit the body lines at where they connect.

 

I mean on the drop down menu when you follow the link. Or are those the latch diameter sizes? and the ball is always the same diameter?

 

The latch itself is bigger if you go here and scroll to the bottom, you can spot the difference:
http://www.quik-latch.com/quik-latch-mini-latch.html

 

that makes sense now. thank you! And to clarify, you are running the .875in dia latches?

 

Yup. Standard size.

 

How does this do in the car wash? I'd be afraid of it popping it off in the middle of the wash.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

 

I have run it through our brush wash (soft bristles, not the nylon scrubbers) countless times. Maybe 100 or so times no problem. These are used in racing, so they cannot just pop off. And even if it is pressed in, you have the rest of the screws underneath and up top with the grill, as well as the fenderliner (if installed) that hold it in too.

The bracket is loaded into CAD now, and is awaiting a test piece.

 

I will be posting a new thread about this soon, but wanted to update everyone on the RaiderFab Latch brackets. @Ken@MaisonviShiftKnobs and I have been working on this project for a while now. A beta test bracket was installed on his car, and with some adjustments, it was an installation success, and 1 latch was needed. If you have issues further forward with it coming loose, the 2 latch method will be needed.

A final testing with the final bracket design is going to happen soon. 1 fortnight or less I think.

The new thread will be posted, and latches posted up for sale, 25 sets on the initial run. 100% of the profits will go right back into mazdaspeeds.org.

Here are pics of the beta test.





Look for news soon. Much excite.

 

Woot, my white latches arrived today.

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