Bumper catch

[Paul Sussex]

Bumper catch thing broken (still hanging on).

Front bumper won’t go flush as there is no strength in the lug.

Annoying as had the bumper replaced last year due to a no fault accident - 3 weeks later was like this. Went back to body shop then and they said had been impacted (I am not sure that is the case but can’t prove that) - offered to replace £350.

Decided to leave it - but now want to sort.

Anyone done this - thinking soldering iron, plastic weld stick and mesh. Trying to avoid new bumper.

Have a new other end bit too (not sure what they are called) in case it was that - which it is not.

Tried plastic weld before - fail.

 

[B.different]

You can use hot staples to reattach the tab for abit of strength. If you use mesh its not so good for intricate tabs as it can become to thick it fit in the guide rail. If you want to help it stay put you could use abit of 2pack between the bumper and the guide rails, but don't forget to use plastic primer.

 

[Paul Sussex]

Hi B different

Always like to buy a new tool and thought of that - struggling to work out which direction to put a staple - any thoughts and have you done it?

 

[B.different]

https://ebay.us/m/arPWi2

We use staple number 3 quite often for this sort of repair, but we also use a proper plastic welder.

 

[Paul Sussex]

Thanks B different- will give it a go - worst case a new bumper which is where is was going if could not sort it

 

[B.different]

If all the bumper is good apart from that and the staple doesn't do the trick, me personally I would 2pack glue it to the guide rail and save yourself a few quid. One other thing once you have stapled it back together use a heat gun to warm the plastic of the bumper and guide rail just before you clip it together. It just makes the plastic more supple to clip together without breaking. https://ebay.us/m/uoNpdF
this is the stuff we use at work.

 

[DXX]

Araldite Rapid to glue any cracks and stiffen the area. Will need a very good clean as many of these mouldings are manufactured with a silicone based mould release agent and nothing sticks to silicone.

 

[B.different]

Think araldite is to brittle and stiff for a flexible plastic. It's good for other non flexible plastic, but not for bumper repairs. Like DXX said a good clean on both sides and some plastic primer spray or wipes which ever is cheaper. Don't forget to trial fit it first

 

[Paul Sussex]

Thanks - last time tried epoxy did not clean or prime - probably did not help.

Think take my time this time and try and do properly.

 

[B.different]

Slow and steady wins the race. Or in your case a better job. If you need any guidance, help or info just message me

 

[Paul Sussex]

Hot staple gun arrived - going to spend some time practising (and watching videos) then give it a go.

Got back from golf tonight (the game not the place or car) and had a quick go in my office on some scrap plastic - did not read the instructions - heated the staple till it was glowing then stuck it in - straight through the plastic, burnt the note book cover used as a heat pad and a few pages, a bit of smoke and stink so more practice me thinks.

The Mrs had just got the granddaughter staying over to sleep so good job I shut the door or might have set the smoke alarms off and I would be sleeping out in the van - now that’s an idea

 

[B.different]

Put the staple on the plastic then start to warm it up. Push in half way then twist a couple of mill. Once its stable you can use a staple as a soldering iron ri melt sime plastic over it. Don't forget to snip the excess staple off and watch your fingers as they are bloody sharp

 

[Paul Sussex]

Thanks B.different

That’s where I went wrong - this week hunt the garage to break stuff and practice.

 

[Paul Sussex]

First hot staple gun tested - big flash / bang after a few days - then it rattled and stopped working.

Different one ordered and been practising, now have staples in all kinds of stuff in the garage that don’t need them

So decided to spend a few hours in the heat today and give it a go - stupid I know but it’s been bugging me recently.

Took wheel lining out and released the bumper that side (not complete number off job as probably beyond me and worried will break something else).

The clip that does not work (furthest from wheel arch i.e nearest to headlight ) has only one small tab left (rectangle on right) and so not much to anchor to across and misses finger clip.

Also found d the new finger thing I bought in case looks different and can’t see how it would fit the tabs.

Plan failed sunburnt and disappointed.

Also found the middle tab not latching for some reason although looks ok.

Gave up as too hot, another day another fight.

Thinking if I can detach the (original) finger bracket from the body (via my hands in the arch and the two screws that hold it) I can position on the bumper, make things solid and push back in place and re-screw.

Thought this might allow me to check it is secure instead of just filling with glue, pushing back in and hoping.

Did not try but now thinking that’s an option if I can get to the screws holding the fingers on to the bodywork.

Any other ideas and thoughts as won’t be beaten?

 

[phazer]

Cut some aluminium and bond it to the back of the tab. You can see some examples here (I have bought from them for another car) Bumper Repair Plates

They don't seem to make them for transporters though but making your own version might be worth your while?

 

[Paul Sussex]

Cut some aluminium and bond it to the back of the tab. You can see some examples here (I have bought from them for another car) Bumper Repair Plates

They don't seem to make them for transporters though but making your own version might be worth your while?

Thanks phazer - given me some new ideas - and when it cools down will have a play.