Body work: Un-denting the front bumper to make it look good

Discussion in 'Prime Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Arkay, Dec 28, 2025.

  1. Arkay

    Arkay Junior Member

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    I need some advice on fixing a dent in my front bumper. This might also be the wrong forum. I'm sorry for assuming this is the correct forum. I have been hanging around in here for years :)

    Someone dented my car. I took a heat gun and was able to snap the dent. However, there are still minor dents; it does not look clean. I tried to straighten them out by hand. I was wearing a pair of leather gloves.

    Any ideas on how to do a "finish" on it?
    I have attached the before-and-after images.
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 Arkay, Dec 28, 2025
  2. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    When I had a dent like that; I removed the entire assembly. Laid down cardboard and beach towels to prevent scratching. Then used a heat gun and worked it out, like metal working - working from the outside in. Looks like you worked it from the middle out. Don't know if your going to be able to correct that.
    Get some metal body working tools and try to work it from the outer edge in, from the back side. removing it from the car allows you to step on it and reshape the plastic, when it's warm. Be careful with the heat because you can burn your paint off.

    Good Luck
     
    #2 BiomedO1, Dec 29, 2025
    Last edited: Dec 29, 2025
    Fifine and Arkay like this.
  3. Arkay

    Arkay Junior Member

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    Thanks. I did almost everything the opposite of your approach, and it shows. I did work from the back side, and I did protect the paint. I may be able to fix it. Taking the front fender off is my major obstacle; it seems like a lot of work.
     
    #3 Arkay, Jan 1, 2026 at 11:21 PM
  4. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    No, remove that bumper cover so you can put more weight against it. Soften the plastic and step on it. You'll at least flatten it and get the "waves" out of it - Waves are more noticeable than angles.

    Hope this helps....
     
    #4 BiomedO1, Jan 4, 2026 at 11:09 AM
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