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        General >> Problems >> Rear bumper
        
(Message started by: Jeff on May 29^th, 2008, 4:49pm)

Title: Rear bumper
Post by Jeff on May 29^th, 2008, 4:49pm

I have recently had a tow bar fitted and my rear bumper is now damaged.
When the bumper is removed there is a locating strip on the inside of the moulding each side with slots to hook onto tabs on the main bodywork. This is also made of (very thin) plastic and in my case the slots have broken so they no longer grip the tabs.
It looks to me like this strip is integral with the main moulding (albeit poss added afterwards during manufacture) and is not simply replaceable. This must mean if you get a nudge in a car park the same damage would occur...surely you are not expected to replace the whole bumper (for this represents half the back end of the car)??
Does anyone know what a body shop would do in a case like this?
I can in theory fabricate a new strip or do local repairs, perhaps with some thin metal, but this would constitute a lot of tedious work and some tricky Araldite action. I'm suprised I haven't seen this question before given modern car park etiquette...what can be done...I dread to think how much a new bumper would be...if even available anymore.
In the meantime I am driving with the back end off...it's horrible!

Title: Re: Rear bumper
Post by TiberiuS on May 29^th, 2008, 7:05pm

Hello Jeff.

I'm by no means a body repair pro, don't get me wrong. But I'd think your options are either trying to build onto what's left of the mounting with glassfibre or trying to make a new one out of thin sheet ally and bonding it on. You did well just getting the bumper off, I broke several torx bits just getting to the 4 bolts which held it to the chassis.

I know the slots you're talking about, mine were both damaged and the bumper never sat quite straight, isn't there anything else holding the bumper secure along the sides? I remember there being a mounting lower down or something?

The bumpers on these cars are like eggshells, even the ones on my Mondeo are thicker :-/

Regards, Bruce.

Title: Re: Rear bumper
Post by cossie_al on May 29^th, 2008, 7:12pm

Hi Jeff,
In my experience using araldite or other epoxy type glues on plastic does not last.
In the past I have used plastic welding kits on bike fairings and it gave a far more secure repair.
If you search ebay for plastic welding kit there are a few of the gun type welders (this is what I have used) and there are a few chemical type welding systems. For the price I would be temted to try one of these first.
Having said all of that, have you spoken to the place that fitted the towbar?
If they broke it they should repair or replace the bumper.
I have also just had a tow bar fitted by a large tow bar specialist and they damaged the exhaust. At first they refused to even attempt a repair I eventualy got them to weld the broken part which failed within a weak I then rang trading standards who were very helpfull and just the mention of trading standards at the towbar place got me the damaged section of the exhaust repaired at a dealer with the tow bar company paying the bill.

Title: Re: Rear bumper
Post by Jeff on May 29^th, 2008, 7:17pm

Hmm, thanks for that Bruce. Doesn't sound too promising. The tow bar bodger got the bolts out OK and re-fitted with conventional hex head, but busted the bit I'm talking about at the same time. To be fair, he probably couldn't have done it without breaking them, but I'm miffed all the same as it fitted nicely before.
I shall keep an eye out for any more replies, but methinks the Araldite will be getting a squeeze soon. And maybe a spot of metal work coming up too. Bit of a design fault I'd say. Might see if I cant tether the bumper with wire or something instead. Will report back on how I fare.

Any body shop spies out there? They would get round it somehow...

Title: Re: Rear bumper
Post by Jeff on May 29^th, 2008, 7:27pm

Thanks cossie al, too. Yes, I can see problems working with plastic and glue, it just doesn't want to play, does it. I shall have a look for some of this weld stuff, failing that I might resort to riveting, but that will give me a row along the side of the bumper...looks all right on a Spitfire.
No, I don't mean the Triumph...
As for trying to claim off the fitter, he was a mobile bloke, and he would argue I did it removing the bumper again, so I fear it's down to me. But thanks for the pointer re the welding, next stop ebay...