Paint and Mount Rear Bumper? (Evo)

[R. Mutt]

So I have a JDM evo IX rear bumper en route from Japan. It's set to arrive next week. It comes unpainted. I got quoted $700 to paint and install the bumper. I have purchased and will be supplying all miscellaneous brackets, bars and hardware for the bumper and license plate to mount like it does out of the factory so their should be no modification necessary. I got quoted $700 by a shop that does great work and is familiar with installing body work on evos and even those with Jdm rear bumpers but that seems higher than I expected.

My assumption is the paint work would run in the $300...$400 tops which makes me wonder why the install itself would be another $300-$400. Do you guys think this figure is high and if so do you have any recommendation where to go?
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[jtanner_]

Check out the DIY thread on EVOM for installing the JDM Rear; might give you an idea as to why the labor might be more than you were expecting as it isn't entirely as simple as unbolting the USDM rear bumper and mounting the JDM one.

How To: Evo Rear Bumper Removal And Evo Ix Rear Bumper Install - evolutionm.net

Use that in conjunction with;
How to install JDM evo 9 rear bumper - evolutionm.net



Also... Make sure to post pics of your car afterwards. Love the direction you've gone with it.

[R. Mutt]

Thanks for the links...I've read those threads and a whole bunch more already lol (research research reasearch!)

I spoke to Brendan a while ago, and after some further reading I realize that in order to keep the crash bar, it will need to be cut 2". I planned on ditching it, but probably best to keep it for Insurance purposes.

2003 Mitsubishi Evolution VIII - Under The Knife - Project Super VIII - Modified Magazine

Moreover, the hardware I purchased was essentially to mount a JDM license plate...not a North American. Even so I just realized I'm missing the license plate lights (MR322869) and the grommets that sit in the plate that the light screws into (MB132008) if I went that route. It would also mean drilling the BC plate and modifying the holes in the bracket to fit:

evolutionm.net - View Single Post - How to: Installing JDM Plate Bracket with JDM hardware

One way or the other I have options between the two plate mounts.

Seems like the biggest pita about the installation is mounting the license plate...this is where the time (and $) will be spent getting it to work.