front plastic nose tear

[yerme]

I have a small tear (about 1.5 inches) on the lower portion of the plastic front nose on my 2001 coupe. (no, I didn't do it......I just bought the car) It is between the fog light and the center. It is bearly visable when standing in front of the car. My concern is that it will tear more. My body shop said they would have to take the whole nose off, sublet the work out to a shop that specailizes in tears in plastic bumpers, then respray at a cost of $400. And if it gets hit again it will break in the same spot. Anybody find a better/ cheaper solution? thanx for your thoughts

 

[John & Donna]

Personally, I'd try a different body shop; one that specializes in fiberglass work.

GM makes a "flexible panel repair" product; it is a two part system and comes in two tubes. It works great on bumpers and stuff (I used it on my Fiero after my brother decided it needed a cosmetic adjustment). The bumper cover will need to be repainted and the $400 seems like a good price.

If you use the GM product, the repair will flex just like the original bumper (or close enough to it), so the repair will last. It has lasted several, hard years on my Fiero with no ill effects.

As far as removing the bumper cover.... that may be the best way to repair the tear. The cover should remove fairly easily, so that shouldn't be an issue for you.

Good Luck!!

 

[yerme]

not fiberglass

The front bumper is not fiberglass, it's plastic. Fiberglass is relativly easier to fix. Will that compound you used work on plastic? Do you know the exact name of it? Thanx

 

[John & Donna]

It is called "flexible panel repair", or very close to it; I did a quick look for my tubes, but they must be out in the shed. If you go to your local dealer's parts counter they will find it for you.

Yes, the bumpers are a little different plastic compound. The generic term "fiberglass" still applies as the construction is similar; the chemicals are different. The GM product was specifically developed for repairing bumper covers; it's not like any other body putty or fiberglass repair material I've seen (it even smells much different). In the Fiero's case, you use it not only on the front and rear bumper covers, but also the fenders and doors (they are flexible too).

It sets rather quickly, but sands fairly easily. If I find the GM part #, I'll post it here for you.

John

 

[yerme]

good info

Thanx for the info John, I'll try and find it.