My 2013 Prius was in a fender bender, see attached photos for the damage. I've tried the technique of pouring boiling water over the outside while pushing from the inside, to no success. What would you try next? This seems a bit complex for a suction cup, although perhaps that would help? Thanks!
I've been using magnets a lot lately to pull minor dents. Home Depot sells these magnets. But try them at your own risk since they are pretty powerful and can cause scratches or damages if not handled right. They have 45lb, 65lb and 90lb rated strength. Best to pull on warm or hot weather. Covering them in a strong pouch can help to prevent scratches and easier to pull back out. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Master-Magnet-45-lb-3-4-in-Carabiner-Hook-07587HD/202639935#overlay https://www.homedepot.com/p/Master-Magnet-65-lb-Heavy-Duty-Round-Pull-Magnets-96354/203613136 https://www.homedepot.com/p/Master-Magnet-95-lb-Heavy-Duty-Round-Pull-Magnets-96364/203613147
I've done lots of these... I use a heat gun on the inside if possible or very carefully use a heat gun on the outside if there's not enough time to pull bumper cover. With the cover off a soft sole shoe you're wearing pushes it out pretty good, but if bumper cover is on a crow bar, pry bar or long screwdriver can push it out but the ends of the tools can damage the plastic super easily so softening them with plastic or duct tape is wise.
Are those magnets? Any ideas on where to get a good price on a tool like that or the name they sell by?
Go out and heat it up gently with the heat gun keep it moving don't melt the paint it'll probably plop out on its own or push from behind the fenders farther back this is a polymer
It's safer to not heat too high so it takes a little muscle to pop it out... When I've gotten them too hot they lose memory of their original shape.
Yes, they are magnets. I mainly got them for micro dents. They won't pull out micro dents. But what I do is place them flat onto micro dents on a hot day and just leave it there and use it to help smooth out a dent. It's never smooth because the metal is too micro deformed. But it's a "little" better than it was before. I've seen these magnetic induction tool but reviews are mixed.
What am I missing? The photo shows the rubber bumper cover collapsed/ dented. Magnets I don't think will aid in the repair as the damaged inner components are keeping the rubber collapsed. OP, what to do next? Remove the bumper. There is more than likely metal support structures that are bent and holding the cover in the collapsed position. There may also be broken parts, plastic brackets, and other components that only replacement will work. If it has been that way for some time, the bumper may retain its deformed shape. You could try a heat gun to bring some shape back. So... remove the bumper. FWIW If you do not have a service manual, a parts diagram from an online Toyota dealer may offer some insight as to the removal process. Good luck
Yeah in the States now that can raise your rate significantly very. With damage to a piece of plastic like that a new bumper cover from the aftermarket bumper cover guy that handles your town and body shop is about $99 yes it has to be painted but that's reality . Can be ordered online prepainted $350 ish
