Bottom of rear bumper detached
- This topic has 6 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 11 months ago by .
- Posts
Hey guys,
On my VY SS Holden Commodore the bottom ‘lip’ type part of the bumper has become sort ‘unstuck’ and is now loose and jiggles around. Does anyone know any good, easy solutions as to how I can fix this myself?
Here’s a photo:
[img]http://i.imgur.com/w0H8jJR.jpg[/img]
As you can see, it’s sort of unstuck from the main part of the bumper bar.remove it by cutting the tape all the way around, remove the existing tape from both pieces using a stripper/caramel wheel on a drill or whatever you have, clean with wax and grease remover or some other type of solvent, re-tape the spoiler and get someone to give you a hand to re-install and press it on tight.
As above, but watch the caramel wheel near the edge – it’s very easily damaged.
Also, use the 3M tape in preference to the cheaper black stuff which isn’t as strong. Make sure that brackets holding the lower edge are in place and, for extra strength use urethane as well, below the tape.
Thanks for the reply guys. I’ve never done this kind of thing before, so this is my first time. What is the ‘tape’ you’re referring to? I don’t see any tape.
Two sided tape. I am assuming the bottom “lip” is attached to the bumper with two sided tape.
It doesn’t look like tape, it looks like some sort of mold/glue type stuff and it’s become unstuck.
Originally, ex factory, it was tape. May have been repaired in the interim (VY was 2002-2004) and some kind of glue used – hard to see from that pic. Either way, remove all existing tape/glue and clean whole area (including back of lip spoiler and covered area of original bar. Wash first then clean with Prepsol.
You’ll need the double sided tape, if you can’t find the grey 3M one the black one from Supercheap will do. Automotive grade exterior double sided tape – comes in a variety of widths but 8-10mm will do. From Bunnings or Masters get a 400g tube of Parfix Polyurethane Sealant/Adhesive. You can use the Sikaflex if you like but why pay double for the same stuff? Also a skeleton holder if you don’t have one and a roll of 48mm masking tape.
Dry fit the spoiler and use small strips of masking tape to mark the position where the top edge should be. You’ll probably need a helper. Then affix one side of the double sided tape to the top inside edge of the spoiler but leave the backing tape on where it will contact the original bar and try not to touch the adhesive side of the tape.
The adhesive tape is really just to hold the edge in position because the major part of the attachment/support will be done with the polyurethane. Now apply the polyurethane in a series of big blobs to the back of the spoiler. The size of the blobs (technical term used only by professionals 😉 ) will depend on your judgement of the gap between face of original bar and back of lip spoiler but keep it far enough back that when you press the spoiler into position the glue will not squeeze past the double sided tape but will definitely contact the original bar. Don’t be shy. You don’t want this thing to fall off again!
Next, peel back about 50mm of the backing tape on the adhesive tape attached to the lip spoiler. Just 50mm from each end and fold it back over itself so that it pokes out above the edge at and angle of about 45 degrees. Now, with your assistant, position the lip spoiler in place, moving up to the previously placed pieces of masking tape, not down (the urethane can make a horrible mess) and you definitely don’t want it on your double sided tape. Then press the ends, where you previously exposed some of the tape, in to position and use a length of the 48mm masking tape (that you previously cut and placed in a handy position so you could grab it with one hand) to hold it in place. Continue supporting the rest of the spoiler with your other hand and start peeling the backing tape off. Carefully, if you break it you’ll have to start again! Press in to position and use a few more pieces of masking tape to support it. Have your assistant do the same from the other end. Threaten dire bodily harm if he/she breaks the backing tape. 😆 😆
Now press the lower part of the spoiler in to position and attach screws in the ends (if previously present) and lower or supporting brackets.
Clean up your mess, admire your work for a while and go and have a beer. :cheers Actually have a couple because you can’t use the car for at least 12 hours while the urethane sets.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.