SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Bumper cover repair
02-08-2023, 09:47 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Bumper cover repair
The front bumper cover on my '09 SL63 is split at the bottom. I've been looking at repair options and it seems you either patch it or weld it. Any input on which is the better approach?
If I choose to weld, what type of plastic is the cover made of?
If I choose to weld, what type of plastic is the cover made of?
02-08-2023, 11:27 AM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Ive repaired them several times.. A plastiic weld is good. Any of those kind. I have also glued on a backing piece to join the sides together. You can use a plastic bumper repair epoxy
03-28-2023, 05:16 PM
#3
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Join Date: May 2021
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2004 sl55, 2005 GX470, 2004 XJ8
HI
I had to extensively repair mine. I saw a process on Youtube (from the Ukraine!) where they first removed the bumper cover, then 'stitched' the separations together with zip ties. You simply take a small drill and drill holes on either side of the split, and then use zip ties to pull the rip back together (a lot like stitching up a person). Then, once stabilized, you add layers of epoxy and mesh cloth to the back side for strength. A day later, you return and sand down the exterior to remove the protruding half of the zip tie, add a little bondo if needed, and paint.
Drill your holes in pairs (one on each side of the tear) for the zip tie loops. Roughly 1/2 in from the edge of the tear, about one zip tie every 1.5 inches. You can apply the mesh and epoxy right over the protruding zip tie on the inside; no need to grind it off. You only grind off the exterior side zip tie after the epoxy cures.
I had to extensively repair mine. I saw a process on Youtube (from the Ukraine!) where they first removed the bumper cover, then 'stitched' the separations together with zip ties. You simply take a small drill and drill holes on either side of the split, and then use zip ties to pull the rip back together (a lot like stitching up a person). Then, once stabilized, you add layers of epoxy and mesh cloth to the back side for strength. A day later, you return and sand down the exterior to remove the protruding half of the zip tie, add a little bondo if needed, and paint.
Drill your holes in pairs (one on each side of the tear) for the zip tie loops. Roughly 1/2 in from the edge of the tear, about one zip tie every 1.5 inches. You can apply the mesh and epoxy right over the protruding zip tie on the inside; no need to grind it off. You only grind off the exterior side zip tie after the epoxy cures.
