So......what's the best way to repair a torn bumper. I have worked with fiberglass before, and have also taken my first year apprenticeship in autobody. One thing I have never done is repair a plastic bumper. The tear is about 4 inches long. I think I have an idea, but would like to hear from the experienced ones. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

I would be interested in hearing a solution to this one myself. We rip the bumpers of our rally cars almost every outing and have tried every kit on the market and have not found anything that will last. Everything seems stiffer than the original and does not flex with the bumper. One little bump and it opens right back up.

There are places that perform a "secret" process that fixes torn or warped "plastic" front or rear fascias. The only one I know of is in Sanford Florida. They have some sort of heat process and do plastic welding to repair the damage. It is not that cheap as it was $250 to get a front fascia back devoid of paint and just like new. There must be something similiar in Canada as most cars now have a soft front.

Don't know what you have tried so far. I use the two part mix, groove out the tear and fill and back up the back side then top off smooth.

Here is a link with good info and more links in it.

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/079365.html

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...060811-2-073108.html

[This message has been edited by Dodgerunner (edited 06-11-2007).]

I used a similar two part mix and applied additional patching material in the back. I can see that it would probably work in the front. The problems I had were with the rear bumper. There is probably more flex at the rear due to the air catching under the bumper, at speed.

quote Originally posted by fierobeel: I used a similar two part mix and applied additional patching material in the back. I can see that it would probably work in the front. The problems I had were with the rear bumper. There is probably more flex at the rear due to the air catching under the bumper, at speed.

1) Buy a *quality* brand name bumper repair product made for RIM (in the case of Fieros). You're local autobody supply can help you there.
2) Grind the back surface at least 2" around the tear with 24 grit disc - very slowly. If you grind it fast/hard you heat it up & melt it closing the pores & shtuff won't stick.
3) Chop up some fiberglass *mat* (NOT woven) with scissors into short loose strands, 1/4" to 1/2" long.
4) Mix the repair material as per instructions, then quickly mix in the 'glss strands & apply to the area, building up the torn area about 1/8" thick (minimum). OK to taper it off around the edges.
5) When that dries, "V" out the tear from the front about 1/4" to 1/2" wide. Apply the same repair material - 'glass strands not needed but can't hurt.
6) When dry finish with grinding/sanding down to 180 grit paper.
7) Prime with epoxy primer - prep & paint as you normally would.
Should hold up very well. I've done quite a number of bumper repairs & never had any problems. I've also used the same technique to modify some.
HTH,
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Hey Leroy, what'cha doin' dragging that chain across the floor?
Leroy: "Ever tried *pushing* a chain?"

What The Driver said.
To do it right you will need to remove the bumper. Mine has lasted over three years with no sign of cracking. I used Rubber Bumper Repair from AutoZone.

Bonzo

I repaired mine with Automix two part EZ sand flexible parts repair kit. It sets in 5 minutes. Then sand it down. I repaired a hole the size of a quarter without anything but this. I've also repaired a split bumper. Very easy to work with and easy to sand. My eight year old daughter helped me with it and we had the bumper done in under 30 minutes. Get it at any autobody supply.
Dave

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1999 Mercedes ML430, 450hp 1987 Fiero GT, 1986 Fiero SE-soon to be 3800, certified master technician

Thank you so much everyone!!!
This helps me in deciding to buy an 87 GT in my area. The only thing scaring me off a bit was doing the bumper repair properly without having to look for a new one. That sounds all too simple.
Thanks again for all your input!!

Yep, I always back up the repair with fiberglass about 2" bigger all around than the repair area.

Thanks all. It sounds like it is more the technique rather than the product. I probably did not take enough time with the repair in the first place. One product that I have found that works well, is Plastex. http://www.plastex.ca/ It can be used it to repair broken tabs on lights etc and it works very well. I want to try it on my GT deck lid where I have a horizontal split above my lock. I will post another thread tonight with a picture to see if anyone has had to make a similar repair.