How do I fix this bumper?

[ericautopart]

Truck only has 101,x.. miles on it. I've been looking at other explorers in the area and don't see this on any of them. Can't complain too much as the truck was only 300 bucks but this is embarressing. I have a plan of attack but somthing tells me somebody has a better idea...

 

[EMG7895]

replace it its rotting out from the inside. Both of m trucks have done it, eventually it will get so bad you will be left with a chrome shell of a bumper

 

[Donner]

What happens when you buff it with Mother's?

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Mothers isn't going to fix it.

EMG7895 is right, you can see that on the right side of the bumper that it has rusted through it from the inside out.

 

[X~FACTOR]

Paint it, body color.

 

[DeRocha]

Mothers isn't going to fix it.

EMG7895 is right, you can see that on the right side of the bumper that it has rusted through it from the inside out.

Ditto.. You can buff it out to lesson the rust appearance as a temporary solution, but the real problem is the entire support bracket structures are rusting from the inside out.

 

[wood1]

My front did the same thing. That's just a reason to build a custom bumper. Who cares what you paid for the truck!

 

[sjr033]

I just painted my bumper because of rust. I bet when you pull the plastic cap off the top, you will find more rust around the holes for the clips.

 

[briwayjones]

Paint it, body color.

Paint is not going to help that. That rust is pretty bad already and being from the inside there is nothing you can do about it. Paint will cover it up and make it look ok for if you're lucky for a year but probably not that long.

 

[Donner]

Then use Mother's

Ditto.. You can buff it out to lesson the rust appearance as a temporary solution, but the real problem is the entire support bracket structures are rusting from the inside out.

I wouldn't change that bumper until after the upcoming Fall/Winter season... So while waiting for a custom bumper, deal with the rust for while. Just shore up the brackets/frame (sand paper, rustoleum) and then pop on another bumper after...

 

[ericautopart]

Hmm, in a year who knows if this thing will be running. I estimate I'll be doing about 55,000 miles within the next year in this truck (Keep the miles of my car). I think maybe if I buff it out, spray some rust inhibiter (sp), and paint over it that should get me through the year. I love this truck..I dont want it being ugly..

 

[Donner]

Bingo! (I would recommend replacing any bolts you've removed) Even though the rust is making itself know, you still have time to stave off a replacement for about 6 months or so.

 

[bt93]

Aluminum brightener works wonders on that!

 

[X~FACTOR]

Paint is not going to help that. That rust is pretty bad already and being from the inside there is nothing you can do about it. Paint will cover it up and make it look ok for if you're lucky for a year but probably not that long.

Durr... you gotta prep it first of course.

 

[briwayjones]

Oh sorry. Yeah you have to sand away the rust and fill the big hole that's left with body filler before you can paint it.

 

[coreman021]

Only 101,000 thats just getting broke in !!!! mines got 145,000 works fine. I also have had rust on my ex. My brush guard that I had installed in 2001 was pretty rusty so I used herculiner and let me tell you I get compliments on it all the time!! Need to do my running boards next. Try the grey herculiner on your bumper but make sure you get all the rust off first and use xyene to prep for application.

 

[CHRISXPLOR]

try coca cola!!!

 

[choodeee]

my 2000 is doing that and its painted i think, and it only has 31,x.. miles

 

[ericautopart]

I was thinking of the herculiner route. The problem is that it's my work car and I don't want to dump money into it (as bad as I want to, it's not practical). Next week it's going on a trip from NJ to Indianapolis so let's see if it makes it back alive first.