Cracked Bumper Repair (Plastic patch vs welding)

[Markviiiedrea]

I have been watching allot of you tube videos and done allot of reading on this subject. I was wondering if anyone here has done any kind of work on bumper cover repair.

There are so many products and methods it is hard to decide what’s worth getting. Should I just pay a repair shop considering a good plastic welder is at least $150-$400? Or should I just patch, fill and sand hoping the paint won’t show the repair. This is on the daily car so it's ok to practice on and doesn’t need to be show quality but it would be nice to know what is the preferred method for if/when I have to do another car.

3M has several different products that look easy and relatively inexpensive. I'll take some pictures of the bumper I'm working on but basically there are two cracks on each side towards the top that are about 3"-8" in length. I know I can just get a sorta-fit (cirti-fit) bumper cover but I heard that the cheap china made knock offs won’t hold the paint like a factory paint job will. Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[k9t8m]

It would be much easier for you to call me and id be happy to walk through your options. Id like to see the pics, and depending on the damage will depend on how I think you should go about repairing it.

We use aftermarket bumpers everyday and we never have any issues with paint not adhering to them. As long as you are familiar with prepping them properly its not an issue. Last time I checked, there was not an aftermarket bumper available for any year Mark VIII.

Basically your options are 1. repair the bumper, or 2. replaced with a used bumper. The problem with fixing it if you are not used to working on bumpers, you could have serious issues. ie. filler cracking out, etc. The problem with a used bumper is you never know what kind of shape its in, or if it has been repaired in the past.

If it were me, Id fix the bumper that's on it. (given that it is repairable, but like i said I haven't seen pictures yet.) But then again, I have worked on these bumpers before.

As far as plastic welding it, I have had very little luck with these bumpers. You will have a better shot of it turning out better with a 2 part epoxy. 3m makes one that is made for bumpers, so it is flexible.

If you have little or no experience with body repair or painting, take it to a professional. It will be worth the money, and remember, you get what you pay for.

I hope this was helpful.

 

[CobraStar_LS8]

Don't say that Chris...I just bought a plastic welding kit from tooltopia.com

 

[Stangman]

2 part epoxy is the way I'd go. Then if you are skilled, lay some fiberglass on the backside just in case.

 

[slowmkviii]

You can get (new) reman. From key stone with a lifetime warranty
For the mark
But I think he is talking about his 98-02 town car