Written by: Wrecktify
Chipped, scratched, or dented bumper? You'll want to look into getting it fixed.
In addition to enhancing its exterior and improving your vehicle's resale value, bumpers also play a vital role in stabilizing and protecting the frame of your vehicle. Even minor damage to the bumper could have an impact on this protection. In this post, we'll cover step-by-step instructions on how to repair a cracked bumper.
Steps to Fixing Your Cracked Bumper
1. Assess the Damage
The first thing you'll want to do is assess the damage to your bumper. If the damage is minor, there's a great chance it can be repaired by following the steps in this post. But if there's widespread and extensive damage to the bumper, you'll want to take it to a body shop to see if replacement is the better option.
2. Clean the Area
Next, you'll want to thoroughly clean the area of the crack. This helps remove dirt, grime, and other debris that may have built up on the bumper and will help make any repair efforts that much more effective.
3. Remove the Bumper
If necessary, remove the bumper to make it easier to complete the remaining steps. If damage is minor, you're likely able to make repairs to the bumper without removing it. If you need to remove the bumper, locate the clips, which are typically located inside the wheel wells. Use either a flat-head screwdriver or a panel trim removal tool to safely remove the clips without damaging them.
4. Apply Epoxy Filler
This is the most common means of fixing a cracked and scratched bumper. Epoxy filler can easily fill in any cracks, scratches, and even minor holes. You'll just want to be sure to thoroughly fill in any of the damaged parts on the bumper and allow plenty of time for the epoxy to dry. Depending on the size of the crack, you may have to apply a clamp or tape to the bumper so that it doesn't separate while the epoxy is drying.
5. Sand & Smooth
After the epoxy filler fully dries, sand out the area so that it's nice and smooth.
6. Prime and Paint
Lastly, you'll want to prime and paint the bumper to restore it to like-new condition. The size of the repair and the age of the vehicle will dictate whether you should repaint the entire bumper to ensure a universal paint match or just the affected part where the crack previously existed.
When to Visit a Professional
Like we said in the intro, not all bumper damage can be solved in the manner we outlined in this post. More extensive auto body damage may warrant a full bumper replacement - a task that should only be handled by professionals. Contact Wrecktify Collision today for more information.
Contact Wrecktify Collision Today
For more information on how to repair a cracked bumper and whether the damage your bumper sustained can be repaired or replaced, contact Wrecktify Collision today.
207 Hoesly Drive, New Glarus, WI 53574
608.527.2246