I have a 94 Honda Accord Ex.

Anyone know how to repair the fastener holes in the bumper covers. I have a bumper cover that is in othewise great condition except that it was pulled off the metal bumper underneath and four of the attachment holes tore open (originally looked like this > o). Now they look like this (> c). They are no longer an unbroken circle shape. They are torn at two top corners where the bumper cover attaches to the fender; and also where the cover attaches to the top metal bumper in two spots. Two types of fasteners are used: One made of plastic with philips heads and spider legs around the screw body, and the other one is the plain nut and bolt kind.

I'm not sure if the bumper cover is a type of urethane or something else. I have three basic repair plans. Going to Honda or even body shops thay talk $1k and if that is the answer then the car is totaled, which is ridiculous. These were some suggestions I got:

1. It was suggested that I use large washers and hope that holds it. I can't see why it would.

2. Epoxy of some sort.

3. Plastic Weld the material. This sounds the most promising but arcane as to how it is done. I'm sure the original material must have been created by a heated melting process into some sort of mold.

4. Drill some new holes into the material and insert the fasteners there also. Then just do a cosmetic repair to the damaged holes. I'm unlikely to try this idea.

Any suggestions which is the best way to approach this problem? Please elaborate. I have tools and some shadetree experience with body work. Just never did this particular job. The shops I call get too much quick money from the insurance companies to ever bother even trying to learn this type of repair - at least that is what many shops told me.

Let me know if you need further info on anything.


Modified by diyer at 7:59 PM 8/13/2004


Modified by diyer at 8:01 PM 8/13/2004

 

Eh, yeah I've got the same problem. Not quite to the extent of yours. Two of the holes are broken, one on the front bumper and one on the back. My foremost thought was to insert some washers but then I really don't know how effective that would be. But I figure it's worth a try.