Well I scored a 92 bumper cover for $36!!! However it has a dent and a small tear on the top, I know this can be repaired but I want to know how tedious this is going to be if I do it myself?? Would also like to know if you guys have any idea how much a shop would charge to do this?

 

The dent can be bondo'd (yes, bondo can be a verb :P) if its not too deep, otherwise the bondo will crack. Also, you can fix the tear by putting a fiberglass patch on the inside, then bondoing the seam. I recommend scuffing the inside of the bumper with some real rough sandpaper where the patch will go to make the resin stick good.

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1983 Firebird
TH700R4 Auto
Small Block 400
LG4 ECM, Intake, Carb, Distributor, etc.
Soon to be non-computer.
Clarion Head Unit 45X4
2 Pioneer 400W 12" Subs
Third Gen Performance
"A four cylinder is half an engine."

 

The dent's not too bad; depends on how long it's been dented. You can remove all the metal from the cover, and put the cover in the hot sun. Try to prop the cover on a piece of wood so the wood pushes against the dent, and makes it flat with the rest. A heat gun would help, too.

When I fixed my bumper, I had to do this. I also had to fix some tears; I found a kit by Bondo called "Flexible Bumper Repair Kit". It had the two-part epoxy that bodyshops use, and you applied it like glue. It worked like Bondo, too- it sanded down very easily. Strauss Auto carried it, I don't know if they do anymore, or where else you could find it (this was 5 years ago).


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

Definitely use the flexible bumper stuff by Bondo-- don't use regular Bondo or it will crack right back out as soon as the bumper flexes the first time. I have a light dent in my rear bumper cover and have been advised to use a heat gun and pressure from the backside to pop it back out. Good luck.

 

Any idea how much a shop would charge to do this?