plastic bumper tear

[vannmann]

Im doing a restoration on a 76 trans am, the rear plastic bumper is an older type molded bumper and it has a tear at one of the corners that was once repaired with incorrect "stuff" for lack of a better description. Which type of material would be good for repair? I have the plastic bumper off the metal framework, so I can get to it from behind.

[Len]

Here' a link to the method that we use in our shop.


http://www.autobodystore.com/vid13.jpg
Plastic Repair Link (http://www.autobodystore.com/plastic.shtml)

[J-rod]

I did some bumper repair today and I use the 3M Automix Plastic Repair
Here is what I used, and what I did today:
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e360/1967bigdaddy/HPIM2361.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e360/1967bigdaddy/HPIM2360.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e360/1967bigdaddy/HPIM2363.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e360/1967bigdaddy/HPIM2366.jpg

[J-rod]

More:
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e360/1967bigdaddy/HPIM2369.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e360/1967bigdaddy/HPIM2372.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e360/1967bigdaddy/HPIM2379.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e360/1967bigdaddy/HPIM2380.jpg

[J-rod]

I'll explain each and every picture when I get back just realized I'm late for an appointment.

[200horse]

those flex patches are awesome !!!!!

[J-rod]

OK now to explain the picture's:

Once I'ved cleaned the backside with some coarse steel wool, I prefer to drill a hole at the end of the crack to prevent it from traveling any further. I then bevel the crack on the opposite side (front) so it is "V" shaped before applying the rubber patch on the backside.I then apply the adhesion promoter (white packets) to the cleaned area. I then heat up the rubber patch to conform to the shape of the bumper. Be very careful while applying the patch because once it touches it sticks. Now on the front side you can see that I used a 50 grit disc to rough up and "V" the surface, but since it melts the plastic, you have to go back and use 80 grit by hand to get rid of the loose piece's. Once that is cleaned I use the aerosol can of adhesion promoter and allow 10 minutes for it to dry. Once that has dried I then use my applicator gun and apply the fexible repair material. And then spread it out with a plastic spreader. Once that dries it can be sanded with 80 -120grit sand paper. If more is needed apply the adhesion promoter and repeat the steps. Then prime and paint.

The patch kit set up is very expensive, and isn't something a hobbyist would use. I just wanted to show what else is out there.

Good luck with your repair.