When you're looking for the replacement 2014 dodge charger srt8 rear bumper , you most likely either had the rough afternoon within a parking great deal or you're finally deciding to fix that nagging crack that's been bothering you for a few months. It's one of those components that defines the particular aggressive stance associated with the car, especially since the SRT8 has that particular, beefy look that sets it aside from the standard SE or RT trims. Dealing with bodywork is seldom fun, but obtaining the rear end of your Charger looking right again is definitely worth the time and effort.
The particular 2014 model season was a bit associated with a sweet spot for the Charger. This had that well-known "racetrack" tail light design that everybody recognizes from a mile away, plus the SRT8 bumper was designed particularly to frame these lights and the massive dual exhaust system tips. When something happens to that bumper, the whole vibe of the car seems off. Whether you're looking for a straight OEM replacement or considering a good aftermarket upgrade, right now there are a few things really require to keep within mind before you begin clicking "add to cart. "
Exactly why the SRT8 Bumper is Different
It's easy in order to think a bumper is just a big item of plastic, yet the 2014 dodge charger srt8 rear bumper is really a pretty specific bit of kit. If you try to slap the standard Charger bumper on an SRT8, it's going to look weird—mostly because the SRT8 version features a lot more aggressive lower valence and specific cutouts with regard to the exhaust. The lines are clearer, and it's made to handle the warmth and airflow coming off a very much more powerful engine setup.
Quite often, the SRT8 bumper comes in two main pieces: the particular large upper cover that gets colored to match your car's body color, and the lower diffuser or "blackout" section. If you've just got a small scuff on the painted part, a person might be able to get away with the repair. But in the event that the plastic is cracked or the mounting tabs are snapped, you're looking at a full replacement. Those mounting tab are the actual killers; once they're gone, the bumper will never sit down flush against the quarter panels once again, no matter exactly how much zip-tie magic you try in order to pull off.
Choosing Between OE and Aftermarket
This is the big debate every car owner faces. Do you proceed with the "Original Equipment Manufacturer" (OEM) part from Mopar, or would you get a gamble on an aftermarket version?
If you go the OEM route, you're spending for comfort. A person know the 2014 dodge charger srt8 rear bumper is going to fit perfectly. The holes for your parking sensors is going to be within the right places, the clips may line up, and the plastic high quality will be topnoth. The downside? It's expensive. Mopar parts don't come inexpensive, and shipping the giant bit of plastic across the country can sometimes cost mainly because much as the part itself.
On the reverse side, aftermarket bumpers are way even more budget-friendly. You may find them most over eBay or specialized car part sites for a fraction of the cost. However, it's a bit of a "buyer beware" situation. Sometimes the fitment is slightly off, and your body shop man might have in order to spend three hours heating and pulling the plastic just to get it in order to line up. When you're going auto aftermarket, try to look for a "CAPA certified" part. It's basically a stamp of approval saying the part is usually actually shaped such as it's said to be.
The Struggle associated with Color Matching
Unless you get incredibly lucky and discover an used 2014 dodge charger srt8 rear bumper at a repair yard that occurs to be the very same color since your car, you're going to have to deal with paint. Most fresh bumpers come "primed, " which is just a fancy method of saying these people are raw, boring grey or black plastic ready with regard to a paint sales space.
Matching the paint on the car that's about a decade older is trickier compared with how it sounds. Also if you utilize the exact paint program code from your doorway jamb—like Pitch Dark or Bright White—the paint on your car has most likely faded a tiny little bit from the sunlight over the many years. A good body shop won't simply spray the bumper and call this a day; they'll usually wish to "blend" the paint into the rear fenders therefore the transition is definitely invisible. If you just slap a freshly painted bumper with an older vehicle, you may notice the slight difference in the shade once the sun hits it just right. It's one of those things that, once you find it, you can't un-see it.
Don't Forget the Technology
One factor people often overlook when purchasing a 2014 dodge charger srt8 rear bumper is the incorporated technology. By 2014, many SRT8s came equipped with rear parking sensors. In case your car has them, you absolutely have to make sure the replacement bumper has got the pre-drilled holes for those sensors.
Trying to drill those holes yourself is really a recipe intended for disaster. If you're off by also a few millimeters, the sensor won't sit flush, plus it might actually start giving a person "ghost" warnings due to the fact it's getting the particular edge of the bumper. Also, maintain an eye on the wiring control. When you're tugging the bumper away from, take care not to yank the wires. Those clips can be brittle after many years of road salt and heat process.
Can A person Install It Your self?
If you're handy with a wrench and have a Saturday afternoon free, you are able to definitely swap out a 2014 dodge charger srt8 rear bumper inside your entrance. You don't require any crazy specific tools—mostly simply a socket set, some screwdrivers, and a trim removal tool (which is basically a plastic crowbar that saves your color from getting scratched).
The toughest part isn't the particular bolts; it's the plastic clips. Dodge loved using these push-pin rivets, and they almost constantly break when a person try to take them off. My advice? Go to the auto parts shop and buy a bag of generic Chrysler-style plastic rivets before you decide to even begin. You'll also desire a second pair of hands. The bumper is light, but it's uncomfortable and bulky. Trying to line up both sides at as soon as while trying not to scratch your own fresh paint is a two-person job.
The Quick Step-by-Step for the Brave:
- Unscrew the wheel well liners: There are usually a several screws inside the rear wheel arch that will hold the bumper to the fender.
- Take the trunk: Look regarding bolts along the top edge of the bumper hidden with the trunk lid.
- Underneath the car: There are many clips and mounting bolts holding the diffuser area to the particular frame.
- The "Pull": This is definitely the scary part. You have in order to firmly but carefully pull the edges of the bumper away from the clips on the particular quarter panels. It'll make a noisy popping sound that feels like you're breaking something, yet usually, it's just the clips publishing.
- Disconnect the sensors: Before you stroll away with the bumper, reach behind and unplug the parking sensor harness.
Finishing Splashes and Maintenance
After you have your fresh 2014 dodge charger srt8 rear bumper installed, you want to keep it each and every. Given that it sits therefore low and homes those big exhaust tips, it has a tendency to collect a great deal of road muck and exhaust soot. If you have the black diffuser section, it may start to look grey and "chalky" over time owing to UV harm.
Using a good cut restorer or the ceramic coating may keep that plastic material looking deep dark and prevent it from fading. And when you've gone having an aftermarket bumper, keep close track of the fitment on the first few days. Sometimes the heat from the exhaust can cause less expensive plastics to warp slightly, so create sure everything stays tight and protected.
All in all, replacing the rear bumper is one associated with the best ways to keep a good SRT8 looking such as the premium muscle mass car it is definitely. It's some a good investment in time and money, yet seeing that clean, intense rear end in your driveway makes it all worthwhile. Just take your time, double-check your own sensor holes, and maybe buy a few extra plastic clips just in case—you're going to need them!