ledee416

my front bumper (the silver aluminum one) has been bent by the previous owner. I am hoping I can bend it back into place. I tried hitting it with a small sledge... no luck That was on the car though.

does anyone know how to get it back to shape? here are 2 pics of it:

ledee416

its aluminum I believe. I am thinking that maybe if I take it off I can hammer it back straight. Or maybe take it to a machine shop. I can get a used one for 100 bucks, but I was thinking if I could save that cash, even better.

Ethre

A magnet will check the metal.

Have you tried taking a big crescent wrench to it? Maybe a 24" one - and then use a pipe to give you better leverage and control.

ledee416

I am pretty positive it is aluminum. I was told that alum is very difficult to bend. I assume that to be true since it didnt even budge when I hit it with mini sledge.

does anyone know how different the 87 front bumper pieces are compared to the 80-82? they look very similar and I can get one of those for about 70 bucks in good shape. I am trying to put the 80 back together so i can sell it after I use what I need from it for my euro.

I know there are differences between the s4 and 1980 front end as far as lights (I think), but will I be able to use that bumper piece? I am fine with doing a few minor mods if I have to.

Ethre

The exterior panels are different (the fenders wrap around differently), but I do not know about the inner bar. I would check the parts catalogs to compare.

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

You will have to remove the lights from bar, and probably remove aluminum bar from car. You can definitely bend it back. You might try cutting a wooden block to go in the channel of the bumper and squeeze the whole thing in a vise. As you get it closer, you may use a hammer. It does not need to be perfect.
Good luck,
Dave

destructo_low

I would remove any plastic pieces in the vicinity and heat it with a torch while using a crescent wrench or two to bend it straight. It could be done on the car.

ledee416

thanks guys. I am definitely going to remove it first and take all the lights off. I have done a little research since this post. What I have read seems to suggest that thick aluminum like that isnt very easy to bend back. I am hoping that is not the case. I have a plumbers torch and if i have to heat it a little I will. I may end up taking it to a machine shop. I really dont want to spend 100 bucks or so on a used one.

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

I like the crescent wrench idea for leverage. Heat will also help. It is very easy to remove that bar, I think two allen head bolts.
Good luck,
Dave

Imo000

You can always just cut off the part that's bent and be done with it. The bumper cover will hide it anyways.

upstate bob

the wood inner block is a good idea. Use two to leave room for a humungous wrench in the middle.
Cheater bar on the wrench.
If it's aluminum (ignorant here as I haven't played with my bumper yet) -no heat on aluminum.

Imo000

It's aluminium, I had one in my hand.

ledee416

that is genius,. will it work? I guess it would. I dont think that corner is really used for anything attachment wise.

tailpipe

I have an extra one you can have if your close?

Speedtoys

It'll work better than the crack you may develop trying to bent aluminum BACK to where it was before..that far.