actually bought a used bumper that had the typical damage on the bottom from having the black piece dragged over a big curb/etc. $50
where I trimmed was 95% of the damage on the bumper, and the shop used some sort of special glue to repair the one other crack. no biggie. I started my line at the spot where there is a body line under the tow hook opening. Used tape to make a straight line, then a few sharp box cutter blades to cut. The center of the bumper didn't gain as much clearance due to the way I wanted to have the complete lic. plate opening intact. had the bumper painted at maaco.
Got it mounted up and it was a bit 'floppy', since the factory braces that tie to the frame are now gone, so I made some little brackets that attach at the bottom of the tow hook opening and tie back to the frame. The before/after pics were done prior to bigger tires/leveling.
Keeping the factory bumper intact (hanging up in the garage)
