i finally did it! just finished installing my new bumper; i'm very happy with it. it has the slightest color difference, which i'm hoping will blend in over the next coupe of months...

damn front plate is still a pain, but i tried something new. i created a bracket that hangs under the lower grille and mounted the plate offset. i think it might be a bit high, but i still like it better than the old way. plus if i ever want to remove it, there's no visible holes.

total job: less than 2 hours, not including license plate bracket fabrication. unbolt the original bumper, swap over the guts (crash foam, fog light housings, lower grills, etc.), and reinstall.

sorry for such dreary pics; the weather has been crappy on Long Island the past few days. i'll take better ones once she's washed.