Author Topic: Deep Jagged gash in plastic bumper (Read 1698 times)

Wetson · « **on:** June 20, 2005, 10:16:48 am »

It's approximately 5" long, 7mm wide and 2mm deep. It's jagged and not smooth. What's the best way to repair? Here's a pic.

barrie1 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 20, 2005, 01:49:29 pm »

Is that aluminum or plastic material or even steel? The type of material will make a difference on what you use to repair this mark.

Sterling · « **Reply #2 on:** June 20, 2005, 01:56:42 pm »

Or you could assume that since it is described as a plastic bumper that it's made of plastic.

acck · « **Reply #3 on:** June 20, 2005, 02:11:10 pm »

barrie i think the title has said "plastic bumper"

tenpenny · « **Reply #4 on:** June 20, 2005, 02:36:33 pm »

How about a chap stick?

I think some body putty is going to be your solution.

barrie1 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 21, 2005, 01:10:46 pm »

Being made of Plastic I would think possibly a little bit of Apoxy may fill in the gash and then a good sanding and a colour stick might just do the job. If the apoxy won't work then check with a local bodyshop who will tell what to use to do a permanent fix. It shouldn't be all that expensive thankfully and probably easy enough for you to do at home as well.

Wetson · « **Reply #6 on:** June 21, 2005, 08:57:19 pm »

Update. I took my car to the Honda dealer I bought it from and they want $200 to repair the gash and to respray the whole bumper. Does this sound reasonable? He said he'd get the gash fixed right away because the structure of the plastic has been compromised and it would get worse and there is a chance it could shatter if I were to hit a snowbank because of this. This sounds far fetched to me. The vehicle is leased. Do I have to get it repaired by the dealer?

(Message edited by thewetson on June 21, 2005)

tenpenny · « **Reply #7 on:** June 21, 2005, 09:06:03 pm »

Yes, I'd do it right away. Certainly, if you hit a snowbank in June or July, you'll have a problem. But the car won't be your problem. What a

, to even say that.

I would fix it, but come on. Snowbanks? Does he think that will make you hurry?

The reason I suggest body putty is that modellers use body putty to fill plastic models all the time; it's essentially an epoxy, and bonds to all plastics. Pick up a tube, and work on filling in the cracks. Or just pay the $200 and be done with it; what's your time worth?

Sterling · « **Reply #8 on:** June 21, 2005, 11:21:16 pm »

$200 to do that is perfectly reasonable whether it's done by the dealer or by someone else. After it's done you won't be able to tell it happened.

You want to start smearing putty all over your new car? It's highly unlikely that home-made repair would pass inspection at lease turn in time. Plus you'll have drive a car with a butchered bumper for the next few years.

Wetson · « **Reply #9 on:** June 22, 2005, 08:13:52 am »

That's great Sterling. Thanks for the logical reply. What about the structural integrity he menioned? Was the guy talking through his @ss hoping he'd scare me and end up making a sale?

Sterling · « **Reply #10 on:** June 22, 2005, 11:21:47 am »

That I don't know. I does make some sense that it at freezing temps it make be more likely to break because of the damage. Probably not much of an issue in June though.