[Todd Horvath]

I have a 2013 Smart Fortwo where they did a slight redesign of the front bumper assembly. I have been wanting to get some body kits but they appear not to work with my front because the bottom grill is one piece rather than the 3 separate pieces. My question is if I were to get a older front bumper assembly (say from a 2010) would it fit?
Are the points of connection to the car the same?


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[Johannesl]

There are a few more differences. Like the grill. Here is a side by side of a pre and post facelift.

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[Miss Mercedes]

You would need to replace a few panels. You'd need to replace the two front quarter panels, the lower grille, and the lower bumper. You might get away with keeping the grille though, I think that's basically plug and play.

 

[Todd Horvath]

Unfortunately I learned the hard way regarding the main grille. They are ever so slightly different. The tension clips are set in different points and the early model's grille frame is thinner. My idea is to replace the whole front of the car. If the connecting points are the same, that is.

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[Johannesl]

Unfortunately I learned the hard way regarding the main grille. They are ever so slightly different. The tension clips are set in different points and the early model's grille frame is thinner. My idea is to replace the whole front of the car. If the connecting points are the same, that is.

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If replacing the entire front end (fenders, bumpers, upper and lower grills) they SHOULD bolt on the same. Don't think any changes were made other than the panels throughout the years.


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[jimvw57]

After thinking about the boxes sitting on the front porch. I was wondering what I got... from the ebay ad, it looks like I got the earlier setup, but the front piece under the bumper/grille has the 3 piece openings and the painted surround. should make for a confusing time to figure out what year my car is!

 

[Miss Mercedes]

Yep! You have the late 2011-2012 front end. Since the 2013 facelift came quickly, it's technically a kinda rare setup.

 

[jimvw57]

shouldn't be a problem since it all has to get replaced. Just reading DCO's post on his steering wheel project and it reminded me of the days back in the old Corvair club I was in, we used to pick a Saturday and do a project on someone's car. ind of a Tech Session which 1) got someone;s car fixed that they may have been a little nervous doing on their own. and 2) everybody learned something, or passed some knowledge.

I would love to participate in something like that it was everything from simple brakes or carb rebuild (corvairs had 2 or 4 carbs on them) to transmission change or rebuild. We had the use of the GM training center and they were helping a lot! it was amazing to have the manufacturer stand behind a club like that!

 

[Miss Mercedes]

I would totally say that we should rebuild our 451s together! Then I realized that I don't think I can trust Tucker to go on a road trip like that just yet.

My dream project would be to turn Tucker into a sort of offroad buggy, though in reality (because budget), the better and more fun option would be to restore him to like-new condition.

 

[jzchen]

Unfortunately I learned the hard way regarding the main grille. They are ever so slightly different. The tension clips are set in different points and the early model's grille frame is thinner. My idea is to replace the whole front of the car. If the connecting points are the same, that is.

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That's a lot to replace if that is the case. I wanted the Brabus fog and DRL combo lights, but decided not to overhaul my front as advised I'd need to by Smart Madness. Instead I got the Brabus front lip spoiler and am happy with that:

http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1450265

Looks like the front in the pic in that post...

 

[jimvw57]

I would totally say that we should rebuild our 451s together! Then I realized that I don't think I can trust Tucker to go on a road trip like that just yet.

My dream project would be to turn Tucker into a sort of offroad buggy, though in reality (because budget), the better and more fun option would be to restore him to like-new condition.

Well I wouldn't feel too comfortable driving that far without headlights, hood, etc either. I think it still could be a fun project to tear down the front end on mine... Looking through the Evilution steps for changing the header, it doesn't say anything about draining coolant or refrigerant. Since neither is leaking on my car, Maybe I can change it out without cracking open either system, and that would be nice. I guess I won't know until I start taking things apart. I am sure I will have a bunch of parts that I probably won't need May have to have a garage sale or a swap meet somewhere maybe during a rally or something. Still contemplating whether or not to do the Brabus style mod on the headlights...

 

[Rustedwrench]

Well I wouldn't feel too comfortable driving that far without headlights, hood, etc either. I think it still could be a fun project to tear down the front end on mine... Looking through the Evilution steps for changing the header, it doesn't say anything about draining coolant or refrigerant. Since neither is leaking on my car, Maybe I can change it out without cracking open either system, and that would be nice. I guess I won't know until I start taking things apart. I am sure I will have a bunch of parts that I probably won't need May have to have a garage sale or a swap meet somewhere maybe during a rally or something. Still contemplating whether or not to do the Brabus style mod on the headlights...

To which header are you referring? Do you mean the sub-structure that secures the top of the radiator?

 

[jimvw57]

The header that the whole front of the car attaches to. Deer Hit..

 

[Rustedwrench]

Remove the front bodywork, cowl trim, wiper arms, lower cowl trim, front bumper support and the sub-structure bolts that secure the top of the radiator. Then the sub-structure unbolts from the firewall and the lower sub-frame without disturbing the radiator or a/c condenser. There is a bolt at the bottom center that one can not see unless you get down below the a/c condenser and look directly at it. That's from memory. After you get the bodywork and the cowl trim off it should be obvious. If the washer fluid reservoir is broken you will need to remove the wiper motor & linkage assembly to access the upper nut for the reservoir. A long extension and socket will get the lower nut on the reservoir.

 

[jimvw57]

I am afraid I will find a lot of damaged odds and ends once i get it apart. The pass headlamp assembly is completely gone except for a few pieces, center air cowl is busted up good too.
once it gets warmer out and I can start pulling plastic we will see. I did get a radiator and condenser, and even the cooling fan and mount, they seem ok tho, we will see.

At least this takes care of the drivers side parking lamp that was burned out, I couldn't get to it to turn it and replace the bulb.

I hate to mention it, but I did check for damage on the body panels and headlights when I got the shipment, but didn't take an inventory to see what is actually all included. I brought it home, and stuck it on the front porch, here it has been ever since (covered in plastic) we will see what else I need that isn't in there I guess.... I noticed there were 4 mounts kind of a square tubing type and I don't have any idea right now where they go, but they look pretty strong so maybe I don't need them, same with the 'crash bar' as mine seems OK, no damage to the plastic cover or even scuff marks.. They said I could delete items if I wanted to but I am not sure what I need, and they said it was what usually gets sent with a front end repair, and they have sold a bunch of them. I wish it would warm up so I could start pulling things apart.

I miss my smart so much, it hurts to see it sitting and waiting to get fixed.