Does anyone have advice on repairing torn bumper covers. My old 2000 SVT Contour has a tear in the front bumper cover. A couple of years ago I was backing it off of my ramps after changing the oil, and for some reason, I don't know how, one of the ramps came detached from the main body, I'd driven it up OK and hadn't moved it. So instead of driving down the ramp the left just crashed down, tearing the bumper cover from the underside up to one of the fog light openings. I'd replace it but SVT bumper covers are unique to that model and people seem to want $300 for ones in as bad or worse condition than mine.
I want to repair it in preparation for selling the car. Does anyone know of some material that can be used to repair issues like this? There must be some kind of plastic bumper glue that I can use along with a flexible and sandable filler? Any advice or how to links?
Thanks
Adrian
A quick google netted this.
I have always been a fan of the zip tie or safety wire stitch method, for that hardcore look. Aparently you would like something more presentable. Just remember, if you leave it ef'ed up other drivers will know you don't care and get out of your way. (if the damage is scary looking enough).
Go to a real auto body supply. They have a plastic weld that will fix it right. If sport compact car's web site still works, look up Project SRT-4. The first installment has just what you're looking for. Those SVT bumpers aren't cheap, but if the buyer notices the zip tie fix, your credibility will be shot.
There was a thread on here some time back, probably before the new board software on this. The method suggested involved crazy glue type stuff, baking soda and lots of ventilation to get the cyanide fumes away from you, which, of course, would kill you dead.
I've also heard that Norton Speedgrip works well.
A piece of door screen, some flexible (plastic) epoxy and some green or blue masking tape.
Fix the front of the bumper with the masking tape so the bumper is square and smooth, trim the screen to cover an area approximately 2" past the crack on both sides as well as 1/2" to the top of the crack. Scuff the back side of the bumper lightly with 80-150 grit paper. Clean scuffed area. Mix epoxy, apply to area 3" wider than damage. Apply screen to epoxy and push into epoxy. After the initial setting of the epoxy, apply a second coat to the screen to lock it in. Remove tape.
The above may work as a temporary fix, but I wouldn't rely on it for long term.
That tear can be repaired, from your description. There is a purpose made 2 part 'system' that is used to glue/fill the crack after preparation. The problem is the stuff is really expensive and it requires a unique type of gun to apply it. Additionally, the steps to do it properly so the stuff sticks fills a couple pages. Your best bet, honestly, is to take the bumper off and to a body shop to have them fix it. The fix will cost probably around $100 before painting but should be invisible and last forever. The repairs we've tested generally have been stronger than the adjacent material.
John Brown,
Thanks I might try something like that.
DdavidV
Ouch, the thing is the car's only worth $3K on a good day with it fixed. I don't want to sink too much into it. But this may be the only option.
One more thing. GRM loves pre mixed paint injected into rattle cans. Does any one know where to get them made up in SE Michigan?
EErrr somethings up with the above post. The reply to Ddavid is supposed to say "Our, the thing is the car's only worth $3K on a good day with it fixed. I don't want to sink too much into it. But this may be the only option." I can't fix it even with the edit function??
When you indent, it thinks you want pre-formatted text.
Like this
Adrian_Thompson wrote:
John Brown,
Thanks I might try something like that.
DdavidV
Ouch, the thing is the car's only worth $3K on a good day with it fixed. I don't want to sink too much into it. But this may be the only option.
One more thing. GRM loves pre mixed paint injected into rattle cans. Does any one know where to get them made up in SE Michigan?
I'll take it off your hands for $2000 with the boogered up bumper? 
GhiaMonster wrote:
I have always been a fan of the zip tie or safety wire stitch method, for that hardcore look. Aparently you would like something more presentable. Just remember, if you leave it ef'ed up other drivers will know you don't care and get out of your way. (if the damage is scary looking enough).
There is a minivan that parks at the train station once in a while covered with Yankee and little league stickers. The right front corner has a big crack sewn like a baseball glove with tan leather lace
Wally wrote:
GhiaMonster wrote:
I have always been a fan of the zip tie or safety wire stitch method, for that hardcore look. Aparently you would like something more presentable. Just remember, if you leave it ef'ed up other drivers will know you don't care and get out of your way. (if the damage is scary looking enough).
There is a minivan that parks at the train station once in a while covered with Yankee and little league stickers. The right front corner has a big crack sewn like a baseball glove with tan leather lace
I saw an E30 with a satin black rattle bomb job with the bumper repaired the same way. It was the coolest thing i think i've ever seen.
