Bumper repair

813 Views 15 Replies 7 Participants Last post by rufrob, Aug 4, 2020

rufrob

Discussion Starter · Jul 30, 2020

Has anyone had any luck repairing the bumper on a facelift car? The top prongs between the headlight broke and I have been having a devil of a time trying to repair it. 3 body shops said no, it not repairable.
I’ve tried fiberglass backing and it simply separates since the bumper material is more flexible.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

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rufrob

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jul 31, 2020

Thanks for the reply. I too tried the the thin metal splint/strip behind it. This time I’ll try epoxy which stays flexible longer.

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rufrob

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jul 31, 2020

I bet state-side they are cheap and plentiful.
Here the Japanese disdain for anything “old” really limits supply. I complete car is often cheaper than a large components.
The cheapest I have found here is $250. I might have to bite the bullet.
Even though I don’t drive the car and really want to sell it, every time I see it I feel good. It interior is mint all maintenance done. I got it for my dad who passed away before I could get it to him. Guess that’s why I’m in no rush to get rid of it.

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rufrob

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jul 31, 2020

I put some epoxy front and back last night. This morning some sanding. Oops. How to sand rubbery epoxy? Guess I’m gonna find out if I can sand it

I’m I being too anal? Guess I’ve been here too long.

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rufrob

Discussion Starter · #7 · Aug 1, 2020

I guess she looks her age.

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rufrob

Discussion Starter · #10 · Aug 2, 2020

southpaw said:
I recently finished repairing large broken all of the way through bumper cover cracks.
After removing cover, I actually stapled the pieces back together in place (temporary) on both front and back side. Where possible I drill small holes in cover adjacent to the cracks and thread small zip ties to pull the cracks together. Went to home repair supply outlet and picked up some drywall seam fabric tape. This comes in different texture and I chose the heavy grade. I use Fasco Epoxies #88 2 part epoxy to affix parts permanently and fill cracks. Next step is to open up the cracks into a mini trough with a die grinder and burr bit. This allows the epoxy to actually fill and bond the pieces. Lay down a layer of the epoxy heavily. Cut strips of the drywall fabric and press them on on top of fresh layer of epoxy overlapping cracks by a wide margin. 5 minutes later lay a top layer of epoxy on top of dry wall strips overlapping entire fix area.

Next day is time for sanding out staples, excess fabric and epoxy. I do this on both front side and back side. Works great. On back bumper , it may be necessary to carve a notch in the styrofoam to ensure the cover lies flat when lt is bolted back in place. The repair on the inside may be bulbous. After final sanding, priming and painting with single stage urethane paint, it is flawless.

Wow
That sounds really professional. Damn I’m a hack.

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rufrob

Discussion Starter · #12 · Aug 4, 2020

Damn. I’m such a sap for this car. Few newer cars hold a candle to this car in terms of interior quality, reliability and maintenance cost. That being said I have never owned a Japanese car but I did work for several of them. I don’t need this car but I don’t want to give it away either.
When will the price raise to reflect its actual value?

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rufrob

Discussion Starter · #15 · Aug 4, 2020

Loden338 said:
Might want to polish your headlights. Pretty easy.

You are write. I polished them yesterday. It was brutally hot here so I couldn’t do a very good job. Usually I hit them with 2000 grit sandpaper them rubbing compound.

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rufrob

Discussion Starter · #16 · Aug 4, 2020

pt_700 said:
not a bad looking repair. have you looked into plastic welding?

80 Watt Iron Plastic Welding Kit

Amazing deals on this 80 Watt Iron Plastic Welding Kit at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

i find the key to getting good strength is melting the metal screen into your repair. adding more plastic is secondary.

You are right. I’ll looking to a plastic welder here. I did break the rear bumper on my E55 too and no matter what I try the filler cracks and the paint bubbles after a few months. So I’m thinking letting a professional do it, if they can.

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