Bumper Repair

[jikelly]

This summer I am going to once again undertake the challenge of repainting my 73 mustang. I never got past the priming stage before mainly because of lack of funds and a garage. Now I have the garage and I am acquiring all the necessary supplies. I am going to have to strip the car on down again because of the age of the primer on the car and the fact that some spots are somehow rusting under it; Rust sucks nuts by the way. I can deal with that, but the part I never knew how to approach is my bumper.

I've got the neoprene type bumper cover that is basically like a rubber pad over the extremely heavy metal bumper. The cover has a number of nicks, cracks, and cuts on it that are going to make painting it a challenge. Even getting all the embedded whats-its out of it will be a challenge. Anyway, do any of you know how I should restore/prep my bumper for paint?

 

[bnickel]

there is a secial material made specifically for this purpose, any of the local paint shops should have it

 

[Capt Dan]

and the fact that some spots are somehow rusting under it; Rust sucks nuts by the way.

It is rusting because primer is not a final coat and it allows moisture to soak in.

Don't prep and prime until you are ready to paint unless, like now, you want to do it over again.

 

[BigDaddyCee]

Before you paint your bumper, you will want to use an adhesion promoter. I know it is to be used for plastics like poly urethane etc. The best way to describe it would be a primer for plastic. The stuff I used went on clear, if you don't use it your paint will most likely peel or wear off easily. I got it from a body shop supply store. Good luck.

 

[jikelly]

there is a secial material made specifically for this purpose, any of the local paint shops should have it

Yeah, the guys at the paint shop were really helpful. I spent a couple hundred on stuff to get the car primed yesturday. It should keep me busy for the next month or so getting the body straight. I have a little problem though that I am afraid might be beyond my abilities. The stupid rust on my quarter panels has eaten holes through the sheet metal around the wheel openings. I was oh so stupid for letting my paint go so long.

How hard would it be to replace the lower portion of the quarter panels? I read a bunch of stuff on what is required to cut out and replace sections of sheet metal. It doesn't look too bad and My roommates dad has a mig welder I could borrow, but I'm not sure I'm up to the task since I've never welded before in my life.

Do you think I should farm the quarter panel replacement out to someone else? Dangit I just thought I had enough to cover this paint job. I maybe should do another month of saving before I get started.