How To Repair Class A Bumper Damage

[C5c5]

Greetings!

I took some photos today of the rear bumper damage I have on my 1994 Pace Arrow.

I won't start repairs until spring, but I'd like to get researching & information on how to do the repair.

You all have been very helpful with my many other repair questions & I am greatful for any direction on this one.

The option of taking it in to a professional for the repair has already been noted & is still being weighed.

I do not know what happened to cause the damage, I can only guess. All the lights work just fine.

What do I need to do & what materials do I need to buy to fix this?

[Dav L]

looks like it got ran into something. Note the abrasions on the bumper cover.

re: fixing it:
Rear bumper has to be removed.
Cleaning out dirt / broken parts etc to assess damage.
Remove lights and accessories.
Look at structure - reinforce where needed.
Wire wheel all exposed steel. Paint.
Replace / reglass Filon. Home Depot has filon paneling that would work here.
This is the step that will require the most experience as if done well, will minimize the body work in the next steps. It also has to be structurally strong to be long lasting.
Body work.
Paint.
Repair bumper - likely fiberglass from backside to fix structure. Then body plastic / paint on surface.

Put it all back together.

The above are obvious generalities. You must be a "B" level DIY'r to tackle this project. There is quite a bit of general expertise that is needed. I would assess your own abilities and ensure either you have or have access to some experience for when you need the help before pulling it apart.

Looks like a week's worth of work for someone who has the experience and time.

[Isaac-1]

Working that sort of fiberglass repair is an art, not something you should expect to get right on your first try. My suggestion is to look for someone with experience in large fiberglass boat repair.

[153stars]

I did a good bit of glass work back in the day when header panels, spoilers, add ons were fiberglass along with vets and stock car. That's challenging repair for sure. Probably better left someone with experience.It depends how well it comes apart and all the pieces fit back together after griding out stressed glass. Might be able to get some used parts or the corner cut from a damaged rear cheaper than full part. Some epoxies may give better performance than glass resins gluing it all back together. You can buy fiberglass angle to help forming those hard to do right angles where panels are fitted together. Back in the day we used a product called Sandy sprayable plastic filler like featherfill but easier to sand and shape its really good for coating over fillers and sealing broken paint edges that can show up months later.https://www.clausenautobody.com/prod...?prod=sandyThe good news if done right . with those curves ,angles and not being in the middle of a long dark colored panel , the repairs won't show waves as much.

[153stars]

If was doing the repair I would try putting\bolting 90 glass angle against the bumper and the light area . Put the bumper back in place with a jack after relieving the stress with a grinder. Building strips and or angle so I could cut and glue/epoxy glass down a piece of glass panel to mock original look. They make panel adhesive also that's ridiculously strong that may be best for gluing to tabs\angle. Possibly also the shaped panel would have a tab slipping under the shape above the lamp. That way everything wouldn't be on top for some extra strength. You can also epoxy glass over shaped foam. Top left corner final glued with 3M flexible adhesive or tape. Ice preplan grinding and cleaning for some extra glass work from behind after the front was in place.Some cheating the original design and attachment is going to be necessary without removing/loosening the rear cap. I don't have the benefit of seeing broken missing parts or the good side. I would probably be doing some blending then clear coat over if necessary for color match.
Is bumper flexible remove it get that welded ,3M makes flex filler.
Good luck with your repairs.

[keymastr]

Looks like it hooked the bumper over a curb and ripped it away when you pulled forward. That repair does not look easy and unless you have experience with the materials involved and where to grind to relieve stress in the panels the finished product may not look much better than what you have now. Couple that with the cost of materials being much higher for a non-professional and you may be money ahead paying a shop to do the work.