Bumper scrap or repair

[RaceDiagnostics]

The SL is now off the road for the winter so on with the next job, fitting the new wing I sprayed up in the summer. First the bumper needed to come off.

The chromes on it are in great condition for a 40 year old car, or someone has already replaced them.

But when stripped down the inner supports didn't look too good.

After sand blasting the driver one looks serviceable but the passenger side...

Top...

and bottom...

I'm in two minds about whether to try to weld it up or scrap it, but the replacement cost is about £190.

Or I could spend that money on a shrinker/stretcher.

What do you think, scrap or repair.

 

[Mee]

Repair if practical and treat to prevent future rust.

 

[Swift&Bold]

I'd try to repair first then if that fails, reluctantly pay the £190.

 

[Crater Creator]

Personally I'd scrap - but then I'm lazy and lacking the skills to repair that to a standard I'd be happy with - if you have the ability, go for it!

 

[CompoSimmonite]

40 year old SL must be worthless so I can understand the reluctance to spend £190
Realistically the car is already regarded as a classic and demand high prices that can only rise so unless it's otherwise a heap that need lots of attention elsewhere I'd op for new every time. However if it's a rolling project and there are other aspect that need addressing first such as sills, wings, interior etc then I'd bodge to get another years use.

 

[optima21]

also depends on how much your time is worth to you. if you're thinking of getting a shrinker/stretcher to form the flanges, I don't think it would, but a bead roller would with tipping dies depending on metal thickness. I'm guessing that it might be a bit thick for them though

I'd try and repair that, the flanges would be easy to form, you could use a wooden template to get the shape, like I did with this a few years ago

these days Id start off with a cardboard template, and leave enough metal for the flanges. I'd just gently bend the edge up a few degrees at a time using a small adjustable spanner (find it easier to use than pliers etc) and then finish off with a hammer and dolly.

if you're very slow at doing things like this (it may take me a couple of weeks of spare time), then paying maybe a better option.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

Nice job.

Well it's do this, or some other car related job or watch the TV so I'll have a go.

Repairing the holes on the top surface will be simple enough, but given no access to a s/s, I'll cut of the curved "L" profile part and try to make a curved L from a straight L by slotting it round the curve and then weld it on.

You could say its just £190, but there are so many jobs like this to be done it soon adds up to thousands.

If I make a pigs ear then I'll have to shell out.

 

[optima21]

it reminds me of the bumper in the tutorial section, and there is the satisfaction of doing something yourself

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/complex-shapes.htm

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

I measured the steel and its 2mm, so too thick for a hobby shrinker. I've picked up some angle bar from the scrap bin and will have a go at slotting and bending that.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

I got a couple of hours in today.

This was the angle bar from the bin.

Cut down to size.

Slotted and trial fitted, it bent to shape nicely.

Cut out some more of the rot.

then more...

Thats it for today, should have it done in another few hours, its turning out a lot better than I thought so am really pleased I had a go!

 

[Mee]

And you found another skill you didn't know you had, and the confidence in the future to tackle trickier jobs.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Repairs like this are great for getting ideas and seeing how people innovate repairs with what they have. Great stuff and I'm looking forward to seeing more.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

Some more pics...

Hole 1

Hole 2

Hole 3

I think it will need a couple more evening to get it finished.

 

[mechman]

What's the knurled nut thingy in the pics is it magnet?.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

Yes, they are magnets off of telescopic pick ups, handy for holding in place till you get a couple of tacks.

 

[GW8IZR]

Nice one, restoration shouldn't just be a case of buying new bits and bolting them on.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Best pieces to practice technique on are bits that you can replace if it all goes wrong...no point diving in for the first time on something that is not replaceable. You've inspired me to save my radiator fan instead of throwing it away. Also nice to see you referring to how long to complete....you know you've got it on the run when that happens.

 

[Swift&Bold]

I think in a resto you should be looking to keep as much of the original car as possible.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

I welded on the part I manufactured for the new lip tonight so the end is in sight. I will dress it up a bit but don't like to use the angle grinder after 7pm so that will have to wait.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

Test fitted it together tonight with the new rubber, looking good. I'll strip it down and paint with Jotuns 87 which should keep in in good condition for a few years.

Next, on to remove the wing.