Any way to fix "dent" and scuff in front bumper?
03-13-09, 01:36 AM
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r o t a r y
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Any way to fix "dent" and scuff in front bumper?
Just one of those little things that has always annoyed me. Is it possible to fix this or do I need a whole new bumper? (and just fyi, I don't know how it happened. It was there when I got the car.)
There's also a scuff from when I tried to sand down a mark, hoping it wouldn't be too noticeable but it is.
Could I just buff that out?
There's also a scuff from when I tried to sand down a mark, hoping it wouldn't be too noticeable but it is.
Could I just buff that out?
03-13-09, 06:59 AM
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mmm doritos
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yeah your going to have to remove the bumper and see if that metal bracket at the top is bent, if its bent replace it with new or used. then before you install the new bracket you can take a heat gun and heat up the back of the bumper where the dent is and then use your choice of tools or whatever to push out the dent and hold it in position until it cools, i use a body hammer or dollies but it doesnt matter what you use. be careful not to heat it to much because you can bubble the paint. its very easy if you know what your doing. good luck
03-15-09, 01:46 PM
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yeah your going to have to remove the bumper and see if that metal bracket at the top is bent, if its bent replace it with new or used. then before you install the new bracket you can take a heat gun and heat up the back of the bumper where the dent is and then use your choice of tools or whatever to push out the dent and hold it in position until it cools, i use a body hammer or dollies but it doesnt matter what you use. be careful not to heat it to much because you can bubble the paint. its very easy if you know what your doing. good luck
I don't suppose a hair dryer would work? 
03-15-09, 02:47 PM
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mmm doritos
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yeah your going to need to buy a heat gun. just get a cheapo if you wont be using it much. then remove the bumper it is really easy..remove plastic wheel wells and you can see the side bolts then remove the bolts on top and underneath. be sure to spray them all with pb blaster or WD-40 and let it soak for a while. these bolts/nuts are usually rusty..
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03-15-09, 08:28 PM
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I got the bumper off. It took a lot longer than I thought it would. I broke four or five bolts, one of which I did on purpose because it was too worn. I couldn't grip it with anything.
I didn't mess with the bumper much yet, but it looks like it's not going to be an easy fix. The metal along the top is bent. I really hope I can fix it and haven't wasted all day for nothing.
I didn't mess with the bumper much yet, but it looks like it's not going to be an easy fix. The metal along the top is bent. I really hope I can fix it and haven't wasted all day for nothing.
03-16-09, 07:05 PM
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unless I repaint it. I'm not planning on doing that, but it is tempting. However, it would probably be cheaper (not mention much easier) to just buy a used bumper. That said, I'm saving for an RX-8 and would rather not put any more money into the 7 until I get an 8. Then the 7 will be a track/project car (I already have some plans for it.
) 
Instead of a heat gun I used a screwdriver
Crude and not perfect, but it works well enough for my current mediocre standards. I also adjusted the headlights a little bit.
Before:
After: (sort of, bumper is not bolted on yet, I'll probably bend it some more tomorrow and try to adjust the headlights again after I put the bumper back on.)
Notice how careful I was by leaving the bolts all scattered on the ground
03-17-09, 07:03 AM
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mmm doritos
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good luck saving for your rx8..i jujst picked one up last may and the car is absolutly amazing and i love driving it everyday...here is some inspiration
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03-17-09, 09:03 PM
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I agree the styling on the 09s isn't as clean (at least at the front), but it looks a little better in person. I think the R3 looks better than the base 09, and I like the R3 features (R3-only aurora blue, recaro seats, R3 wheels, suspension stuff) enough to look past the debatable 09 styling. Also, there's been some mechanical improvements which should help reliability, and I could really use the aux input. However, I would go for a used 06-08 before I'd get a non-R3 09.
03-18-09, 08:43 PM
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Well, I started to screw the bumper on and it turns out the screwdriver method did not really work. I took it off again and was able to get the main bar off and hammer it into submission. That worked (mostly). I'll post pics later.
I sanded down the scuffed area on the bumper with 400 grit sandpaper. I'm hoping a little wax will blend it in.
I sanded down the scuffed area on the bumper with 400 grit sandpaper. I'm hoping a little wax will blend it in.
