981 Boxster front bumper crack repair

[kevin.livingstone]

So last week ordered a set of new number plates. Upon removing old from front found a nasty bumper crack behind the number plate mount. Likely happened prior to my ownership as looks pretty old and grubby….
Anyway, two options
1) New bumper £££
2) Attempt a repair £
I think I’ve nothing to lose by attempting a repair.…if it doesn’t work I’ll just get a new bumper.

I have heard good things about “3m flexible parts material“ what are peoples thoughts. There is also the superglue mixed with baking soda trick ?

Anyone any thoughts or advice on best methods for a repair to a plastic crack?

For now I’ve riveted a couple of small ally plates across the crack to stabilise it. Luckily this ugliness is hidden behind the number plate mount.

Thanks in advance

 

[BrianJ]

I think you'll find most bodyshops can successfully "weld" the crack so it is pretty much invisible at a relatively low cost.

 

[911hillclimber]

If the crack is not visible then try a good soldering iron(!).
Used this crude method to good effect on many plastic items over the years. The hot tip will melt the material at the edge of the crack and stich it all together. Will not work on all plastics, but maybe worth a try?

Once superglue is used it will render the crack un-weldable I think.

 

[Scrounger]

If it's behind the plate and you're not too fussed on how it looks behind there, get one of these and do it yourself.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Plastic-Welding-Machine-Staples-Repairing/dp/B09Z2CRYXR/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2S5L1G64PY2KE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TzZ18lZhQII_AVwK8T8wq3exfgOHYrZH9GEYaH6cIjNRB8kYeqMr0LofQkoB7PdSV8ERXkt8aMZah6gmrbCPZPziJpUfXENqz8FU6dx-Fw9Z83p8nRNwsoeguqSkdczYSpKxpfqF2d5zHM47g_8tIAFJrJF_XrPGy9RoswMe_wSHQcUMEGK_bXy70Vk2yQYndlLtKrIuhThJdgOpt9f_CO6QlywZijsEQV0adu4qZHgV7aMsGVE6uARo4gxucdQlbiARScSyfrVCL3915ad4GEYpthogFTGbLYJ_L7cJRCU.Wz3dqmooqyuvFGwUBHCVzX3QF5s6fcn80TIDt9UkGVg&dib_tag=se&keywords=plastic+welding+kit&qid=1783157709&sprefix=plastic+welding+tool%2Caps%2C3191&sr=8-6

Dan

 

[kevin.livingstone]

Thanks for the replies. I was Googling plastic welding last night and think I’ll go down that route using staples and plastic welding strips etc. But first I’ll practice on something suitable.

i guess I should drill a hole at the end of the crack to stop spreading then fill with plastic weld.

Nonetheless it’s secure for now as I’m at FoS this week then Boxengasse in August….after that I’ll remove the bumper and get it sorted so thanks again

 

[Motorhead]

To be honest Kevin I’d be inclined to take Brian’s advice and leave it to the professionals who will do a proper repair by grooving the crack and welding it using a plastic filler rod. You seem to be happy to do a bit of DIY so you can save a bit of money by removing the bumper yourself and refinishing the repair should you wish.

Jeff

 

[stephentodd]

If you can’t see it as it behind the number plate mount, I would do nothing!
The minute you spend money on a new bumper or a professional repair, someone will reverse into it & damage it. Out of sight out of mind.

 

[Peter_Bull]

If you can’t see it as it behind the number plate mount, I would do nothing!
The minute you spend money on a new bumper or a professional repair, someone will reverse into it & damage it. Out of sight out of mind.

Totally agree.

 

[kevin.livingstone]

If you can’t see it as it behind the number plate mount, I would do nothing!
The minute you spend money on a new bumper or a professional repair, someone will reverse into it & damage it. Out of sight out of mind.

This is true but I’m one those pedantic muppets in that because I know the cracks there I want to deal with it.
In a similar vein last year after I bought the car I was nosing about underneath getting to know the old girl, I noticed the rear x-member and one diagonal brace were in a sorry state…..so I removed the x-member got blasted and powder coated. Also one diagonal brace as one was not too bad….but I have made sure they are mega protected now from corrosion (Por-15 products - brilliant stuff) the whole lot then put back with all new nuts and bolts and also corrosion protected.
Before anyone asks I also did the 4wheel alignment.
But I can drive about knowing it all done now.