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  1. #1
    FEP Senior Member
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    Default To Fix A Front Bumper Or Not? Hmm...

    I have my fiberglass fenders in good shape finally around the doors, and am starting on the front bumper fit to the fenders. I have two bumpers right now. The original is painted black (by a prvious owner), and I have a second bumper in white. The black is a little beat up, but nothing terrible for an 1980 bumper. I only have one spot in question of how to fix, and should I?

    What do you think on this, and how should it be fixed?

    Attachment 119566
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  2. #2
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    Default

    Is the cover torn or just deterioration at the spot shown above?
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

    "I've spent most of my money on Mustangs, racing, and women... the rest I just wasted."

    Mustangs Past: Too many to remember!
    Current Mustangs:
    1969 Mach 1
    1979 Pace Car now 5.0/5 speed
    1982 GT Stalled RestoModification
    1984 SVO Still Waiting Restoration
    1986 GT Under going Wide Body Conversion Currently

    Current Capris:
    1981 Capri Roller
    1981 Capri Black Magic Roller Basket Case
    1982 Capri RS 5.0/4spd T-top Full Restoration Stalled in TX
    1984 Capri RS T-top Roller
    1983-84 Gloy Racing Trans Am/IMSA Body Parts

  3. #3
    FEP Power Member dagenham's Avatar
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    Default

    If it is torn(and that's what it looks like) probably the best way to repair it is to plastic weld it.

  4. #4
    FEP Senior Member
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by wraithracing View Post
    Is the cover torn or just deterioration at the spot shown above?
    I would say torn as it's all the way through. Just curious on what the recommended repair solution is. Plastic welding (and if so, what materials), using more kitty hair from Evercoat (I already have some available, etc.)
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  5. #5
    FEP Senior Member BMW Rider's Avatar
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    Default

    There are special adhesives made for repairing the urethane body parts that are as good as and easier to do than welding. The repair needs to be flexible or it will crack and fail in use, so I'd rule out the fiberglass.

  6. #6
    FEP Senior Member
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BMW Rider View Post
    There are special adhesives made for repairing the urethane body parts that are as good as and easier to do than welding. The repair needs to be flexible or it will crack and fail in use, so I'd rule out the fiberglass.
    What would you recommend? The bumper is pitted everywhere, so I plan to use something to fill in the pitting before the trim areas are repainted and before the bumper is wrapped this summer.
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  7. #7
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    Unfortunately in my experience the bumper covers of most Four Eyes are difficult if not impossible to plastic weld properly. If using an honest commercial/professional plastic welder it might work, but most DIY/Hobby units just don't seem to get the job done or correctly.

    I would recommend a quality 2 part urethane structural adhesive product. Something like Lord Fusor/3M/Duramix etc. You will need to pick the proper product for a flexible urethane bumper repair and use the correct adhesion promoters if needed and any type of fiber reinforcement.

    Fiberglass and Kitty Hair will not make a long term repair and are not want you want to use.

    Once you get the tear repaired, you can do your final body work with a product such as Poly Flex 411 by Evercoat or your preferred product. Good Luck!
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

    "I've spent most of my money on Mustangs, racing, and women... the rest I just wasted."

    Mustangs Past: Too many to remember!
    Current Mustangs:
    1969 Mach 1
    1979 Pace Car now 5.0/5 speed
    1982 GT Stalled RestoModification
    1984 SVO Still Waiting Restoration
    1986 GT Under going Wide Body Conversion Currently

    Current Capris:
    1981 Capri Roller
    1981 Capri Black Magic Roller Basket Case
    1982 Capri RS 5.0/4spd T-top Full Restoration Stalled in TX
    1984 Capri RS T-top Roller
    1983-84 Gloy Racing Trans Am/IMSA Body Parts

  8. #8

    Default

    Yeah, what trey said, I had a heck of a time on mine. I used some 3m pba to fill some big scratches and several coats of high build primer sanded almost completely off to fill the pits. My bumper was still soft not crumbly. I promise you will hate the grill before youre done

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