Dent in AFT Bumper 98'
#1
06-04-2014, 07:36 AM
Dent in AFT Bumper 98'
Hi.
I have a large dent at aft bumper corner.
What's the best way to fix it?
Heat gun? and press it out?
Will the paint "fall" off ?
I have a large dent at aft bumper corner.
What's the best way to fix it?
Heat gun? and press it out?
Will the paint "fall" off ?
#2
06-04-2014, 11:33 AM
There is no best method, every one has their own opinion.
YouTube has LOTS of videos on repairing plastic bumpers. Below are videos using heat guns and hot water.
You need access the bumper cover from behind to bang or push out the plastic to it original shape. The cover is held on by plastic push pins and screws.
The bumper is made of thermoplastic. The bumper was formed by injecting very hot liquid plastic into a mold, then cooling it. If the bumper was again heated too hot, the plastic will begin to sag and eventually melt. How hot is too hot, a heat gun held to close will cause problems, water at 212F no.
The plastic bumper once formed has memory of its original shape and why you can reform it back to its original shape. It wants to return to its original shape but can't. Heating, pushing, pounding helps it return.
Look at the dent and try to determine what areas are deformed and what are not. Meaning you will need to heat the entire area you will be working to get back to its original shape. Versus heating a small area at a time and work it.
The paint used is designed for plastic and can flex to a degree. However like the plastic, getting it too hot will cause problems. It may not fall off but could crack and burn.
The hot water method has several advantages one being the temperature is limited, the other is when applied it covers a large area.
If using heat guns, press on the bumper material to know when it is hot enough to work and don't get it much hotter.
If the dent is too concave, pressing may not be enough to get it reshape and hitting required. Use a large face hammer.
Being thermoplastic you can let it cool if needing a break or more hot water, then reheat and start reshaping again.
Suggest if possible heating the area from behind which will help limit and possible paint damage.
Take your time and if using heat guns don't try to rush it by using more heat the required. Wear pot holder mitts or something to allow direct pushing with hands.
YouTube has LOTS of videos on repairing plastic bumpers. Below are videos using heat guns and hot water.
You need access the bumper cover from behind to bang or push out the plastic to it original shape. The cover is held on by plastic push pins and screws.
The bumper is made of thermoplastic. The bumper was formed by injecting very hot liquid plastic into a mold, then cooling it. If the bumper was again heated too hot, the plastic will begin to sag and eventually melt. How hot is too hot, a heat gun held to close will cause problems, water at 212F no.
The plastic bumper once formed has memory of its original shape and why you can reform it back to its original shape. It wants to return to its original shape but can't. Heating, pushing, pounding helps it return.
Look at the dent and try to determine what areas are deformed and what are not. Meaning you will need to heat the entire area you will be working to get back to its original shape. Versus heating a small area at a time and work it.
The paint used is designed for plastic and can flex to a degree. However like the plastic, getting it too hot will cause problems. It may not fall off but could crack and burn.
The hot water method has several advantages one being the temperature is limited, the other is when applied it covers a large area.
If using heat guns, press on the bumper material to know when it is hot enough to work and don't get it much hotter.
If the dent is too concave, pressing may not be enough to get it reshape and hitting required. Use a large face hammer.
Being thermoplastic you can let it cool if needing a break or more hot water, then reheat and start reshaping again.
Suggest if possible heating the area from behind which will help limit and possible paint damage.
Take your time and if using heat guns don't try to rush it by using more heat the required. Wear pot holder mitts or something to allow direct pushing with hands.
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