Questionhey mr forster, i asked one of the experts this question earlier, but this seems a little confusing....cameron never really makes things simple, but he is very smart, anyway, can you explain to me where i can get the material to perform this maintennce and a little more detail on how its done?....thanks, any help i can get. -chris
hey cameron, i have a 2005 slk 350 benz and i the other day i was pulling out of a parking lot and the front bumber "skirt" caught the curb and put (2) 3" cuts in it...one to the left of my front plate and one to the right.... i've seen guys putty and paint, but is this easy and will it make my car look cheap?...thanks for any advice i can get on the matter. -chris
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Answer Your right...aside from looking like an obvious repair, bondo affords no strength.
The proper way to make that repair is the dreaded fiberglass cloth and resin method...I'm talking about a strip as wide as the valance and as long as the width of the car...in other words, don't attempt to make a two spot repairs, as for the amount of fiberglass and resin you'll, it will be noticeable if you attempt to feather each. Rather, I suggest a coverage which is one continuous stretch, spanning beyond the damaged areas. I would just to one continues straight stretch, stopping the repair upon the valance in a manner that is symmetric to either side.
Alternatively, you could go beyond each repair about ten inches farther out than the damaged area, but I prefer the former...going ahead and putting strip or two of cloth over a long run; then making my feather coming up.
Cameron Orsich
--I'll leave the light on for you.
AnswerWow, you're right, Cameron is WAY to college professor for body repair explanations for the masses. He also gave no real instructions or material selection suggestions. I really think you should let a pro fix your bumper cover. For one thing, I ALWAYS remove the cover, and fiberglass matt it from behind, using bumper repair material. Going from one side to the other is WAY overkill, and if properly done, my method of spot repair is strong. And, will last forever. I was taught these repair techniques at a hands on GM tech center, and they have served me well. Plastic repair is tricky, but can be done. I think I would price a replacement bumper skirt, and if it's really outlandishly priced, THEN fix the bumper. Get a repair price from a local body shop, also. If it's only a hundred bucks or so difference, just get a new part. I can give you instructions on how to fix it, but do you really want to take a chance screwing up your Mercedes? To save a few hundred bucks? Think it over. I'm here to help, should you want to try. Bill
