Front Bumper Damage: How Best to Approach Repair

Kenny · 04-10-2012, 09:03 PM

So a little while ago I was driving on the freeway at night. Somehow I missed an orange traffic cone that was knocked over in the middle of my lane. By the time I was able to react, it was too late to avoid safely and I nailed it.

Fast forward.

I picked up a used PG bumper in the classifieds and had it repainted GM to match my car. At first the paint matched pretty good, but as time passed, I began to see a noticeable difference. It's bugging me enough to do something about it.

So I kept my old bumper and it's been sitting in my backyard since I had it replaced. Even with the damage, I believe it's worth fixing and reinstalling on my car. But I'm not so certain how best to approach it as this is something I'm going to do on my own.

As you can see, there are three major areas of damage.

First the Dimple damage. I was thinking about using a heat gun to warp the dimples out. Then installing an EVO-R fang cover over it. But as I think about, the heat gun might be difficult to work with as the plastic is pretty thick and it may create more damage. Another option is to just cut out the Dimple damage with a Dremmel rotary tool and install the fang cover over it.

Next is the Broken tabs. There are three major spots where it's broken. I was thinking of a way to secure them back to their original spots. What I propose is using a thin piece of sheet metal and cutting it into a predesigned shape, then sliding them over the Broken tab and securing them back to their original spots. It'll sandwich the broken pieces back together. Then I would revit them in so they don't move. A friend suggested using JB Weld, but I don't think I want to go that route. I could also just cut the entire thing with a Dremmel, but then it wouldn't look right.

As for the Fang crack. I have no idea what to do. I'll probably just leave it alone because it's not that noticeable.

So what do you guys think? I'd appreciate any constructive input.

ShockWave · 04-10-2012, 09:33 PM

u can repaint the bumper you have on ur car now or use that bumper for parts to fix up ur old one.

04-10-2012, 09:03 PM	#1 (permalink)
Kenny Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 330 Drives: 2011 Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 15	Front Bumper Damage: How Best to Approach Repair So a little while ago I was driving on the freeway at night. Somehow I missed an orange traffic cone that was knocked over in the middle of my lane. By the time I was able to react, it was too late to avoid safely and I nailed it. Fast forward. I picked up a used PG bumper in the classifieds and had it repainted GM to match my car. At first the paint matched pretty good, but as time passed, I began to see a noticeable difference. It's bugging me enough to do something about it. So I kept my old bumper and it's been sitting in my backyard since I had it replaced. Even with the damage, I believe it's worth fixing and reinstalling on my car. But I'm not so certain how best to approach it as this is something I'm going to do on my own. As you can see, there are three major areas of damage. First the Dimple damage. I was thinking about using a heat gun to warp the dimples out. Then installing an EVO-R fang cover over it. But as I think about, the heat gun might be difficult to work with as the plastic is pretty thick and it may create more damage. Another option is to just cut out the Dimple damage with a Dremmel rotary tool and install the fang cover over it. Next is the Broken tabs. There are three major spots where it's broken. I was thinking of a way to secure them back to their original spots. What I propose is using a thin piece of sheet metal and cutting it into a predesigned shape, then sliding them over the Broken tab and securing them back to their original spots. It'll sandwich the broken pieces back together. Then I would revit them in so they don't move. A friend suggested using JB Weld, but I don't think I want to go that route. I could also just cut the entire thing with a Dremmel, but then it wouldn't look right. As for the Fang crack. I have no idea what to do. I'll probably just leave it alone because it's not that noticeable. So what do you guys think? I'd appreciate any constructive input. __________________

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04-10-2012, 09:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
ShockWave Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: houston Posts: 303 Drives: 350z Rep Power: 13	u can repaint the bumper you have on ur car now or use that bumper for parts to fix up ur old one.