[goldstar0011]

I keep seeing smoothed bumpers on here and I like them more and more so I'd like to give it ago myself.

Firstly I'm not new to fibreglass work having repaired and moddified several fibreglass bumpers and other items, however I have only done some fibreglass work on plastic bumpers and was a job too big for me so it's still to be finished.

So basically I'm after tips on how to do it, I know to remove the bump strips but thats probably about it I have plenty of tools, and sand paper inc DA sander to save my arms.

If I was to just go for it I'd fill the bump strip areas with fibreglass resin and matting to raise the level then use it to bring it over the edges and sand it blending into the bumper. My problems previously was getting a good seemless finish so you can't see where the fibreglass finishes.

I know I could pay for it to be done but I prefer to try these things myself, on spare bumpers of course!!

All help appreciated

 

[bacardi_geeza]

i got mine already done.. not that it helps

 

[goldstar0011]

Not one bit of help at all LOL

 

[boxxer1973]

i thought they used a lead filler so it doesnt sink????

what kinda price should you pay anyhow

 

[Satnam]

Heres a very cut down version of a quickish how to...

Normal bumper...

Fill with expanding foam... looks like this

then leave to harden so you can cut down the excess..

now sand down with a 120 grit sand paper..

heres how it looks after the sanding

now put some p38 filler but would be better to use p40 filler instead..

now sand down flat to get the contours bang on..

now any slight blemishes use a filler primer all over the bumper.. and then sand down to get the contours flat... should look something like this..

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/satnamsingh/new001.jpg

after a wipe down

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/satnamsingh/new008.jpg

now one final sand wet sand.. 800 then 1200 and read for primer.. finished product ready for final prep before spraying..

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/satnamsingh/new015.jpg

once sprayed..

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/satnamsingh/HPIM01752.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/satnamsingh/HPIM01742.jpg

and once fitted on the car...

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/satnamsingh/7197d844.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/satnamsingh/GTTDI240.jpg

hope that helps

Sat and Sonny [y]

 

[jamesfellows]

Nice guide thanks... is there any good alternative to the expandable foam though? I wouldnt fancy that for some reason... what do bodyshops use if you were to ask them?

 

[Satnam]

Some use pure filler.. some use plastic welding.. just depends on the people really.. most people will say to use plastic as it will expand and contract at the same rate.. but to tell you the truth these bumpers held up very well..

Sat [y]

 

[goldstar0011]

Thats the biggest cheat ever and probably a cracking idea!!

I knew a lad who did a smooth boot on his micra and it worked a treat, good thing is I just bought some expanding filler too.

I think it would be ok james as it's light so will be under less stress, being foam it'll have some movement allowed like the bumper does, compared to fibreglass anyway!

Really helpful that is Satnam, thanks!!!

PS Those splitters, lokk sweet, what model they from

 

[Satnam]

Thats the biggest cheat ever and probably a cracking idea!!

I knew a lad who did a smooth boot on his micra and it worked a treat, good thing is I just bought some expanding filler too.

I think it would be ok james as it's light so will be under less stress, being foam it'll have some movement allowed like the bumper does, compared to fibreglass anyway!

Really helpful that is Satnam, thanks!!!

PS Those splitters, lokk sweet, what model they from

No probs mate.. the splitters are from the anni model..

Sat [y]

 

[Stoneybadboy]

Excellent "how to" guide and they really look the business, tempted to have a go myself. Satnam u got any pics of the whole car wanna see what it looks like with the door strips

 

[Satnam]

Excellent "how to" guide and they really look the business, tempted to have a go myself. Satnam u got any pics of the whole car wanna see what it looks like with the door strips

There you go..needed a wash lol..

Sat [y]

 

[Pat]

Gary, my tip would be NOT to use fibreglass. It's rigid once hardened and won't move with the bumper. Also it won't expand and contract at the same rate as the bumper plastic. It might look ok for a week or 2 but no longer.

If you fancy meeting up one night you can have a look at mine that are on the car and you'll see why you should not use any type of filler to fill the whole strip recess. Plastic welding is the only way to get it right in my opinion, which is what I've done with another bumper a couple of weeks ago.

 

[goldstar0011]

Ye, think thats why having trouble with last plastic bumper project.

Pretty sure plastic welding would be best way but I doubt it's something I can do myself, and I prefer to try doing these things myself.

Will be up for meeting sometime, bit busy at moment moving house, got a mate who just got a Polo too so he'll be up for coming as he's loving VW's now!

 

[Satnam]

I can say that the bumpers that we made (my brother and me) were pretty strong as they took a good hit and then they only cracked as the impact was great.. still held up great

Sat [y]

 

[r4z0r]

Ouch! Shame to see that on such a nice piece of work. Hope rest of the car was ok!

 

[Satnam]

Yeah the car was mint just really very slight panel damage on the rear quater.. and as you can see the front..

Sat [y]

 

[graygti]

i rememberyou doing them satnam have you still got them on? and did they crack at all apart from the bump? mymate works at a bodyshop and he can get me some plastic filler its luike a tar type stuff and goes hard but still has some flex in it when set.do you think this stuff would be ok it will only be on the back bumper and lines on the R32 front bumper. if you think this would be ok ill take some pics and let you know how i get on oh and also tellya what its called wen i get it.

cheers gray

 

[mattp1983]

Great u guys, was looking at this a while ago for mine but thought it would be too expensive having them plastic welded, think I need to get on't t'bay n find some second hand bumpers and get mine done.....

Will I ever have money..... [cry] lol. How much do u reckon to have 2 bumpers sprayed? My anni skirts are costing me ?125.

Did a crap photoshop a while ago, what do u all think as s rough guide (and yes I know it needs lowering and arch liner cleaning, lol..)

 

[Pat]

Ye, think thats why having trouble with last plastic bumper project.

Pretty sure plastic welding would be best way but I doubt it's something I can do myself, and I prefer to try doing these things myself.

Will be up for meeting sometime, bit busy at moment moving house, got a mate who just got a Polo too so he'll be up for coming as he's loving VW's now!

no worries, gis a shout whenever[y]

I can say that the bumpers that we made (my brother and me) were pretty strong as they took a good hit and then they only cracked as the impact was great.. still held up great

Sat [y]

[:O]Sat, full credit to you and Sonny there, that looks like it took a right whack [] Before this happened though, could you see where the strips had been at all?

How much do u reckon to have 2 bumpers sprayed? My anni skirts are costing me ?125.

Mine cost me ?140 for both bumpers and that included skimming with flexi-filler. I accept that's probably a good price but if you saw them close up you'd see why [] hence my doing another one (and the fact I found a plastic welder sat doing nothing at work .. )

the same place charged me ?60 for my Anniversary skirts and ?30 for my front valance both of which I can't fault the job [][y]

 

[Satnam]

@ pat - nope you couldnt see where the strip was before.. as it was levelled off and skimmed smooth.. [] good job eh? lol

Sat [y]