Straightening & removing a dent from Tundra bumper

[BobRip]

Well, I got the Tundra a little stuck even in 4 wheel drive. I got it moving and then hit a tree with the bumper. It put a dent about 2 X 4 inches and 1 inch deep. It moved the bumper back about an inch.

To straighten the bumper I tried to get the hi lift jack under the truck and push on the bumper. I could not get the angles I need. I looked around the garage for something else to do this with and noticed the PT422. I tied a strap around the bumper and to the PT 3 way receiver plate. I took two bolts out of the bumper that held it to the frame. I pulled back gently and straightened it out. I beat down the part of the bumper that had buckled up. I then drilled new holes in the bumper to align with the frame holes. The frame section had been bent a little, requiring these new holes.
OK, now how do I get the dent out? I can get to the back of the bumper with a hammer. I think I am supposed to start around the perimeter and work my way outward. Please confirm or refine this technique.

Thanks,

Bob Rip

 

[smartguyz]

Hi Bob,

Sorry to hear of your accident. Can you provide some photos, that might help with suggestions.

Sincerely,

Rob /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[BobRip]

It was not a happy minute, but it is over a year old.

Anyway attached is a picture. I asked some people at work about the dent. Their general comment was that you cannot hammer out a dent in a bumper without making it look worse. Maybe someone here will have an idea.

Bob Rip

 

[Bob999]

In the old days of chromed bumpers there was a large business of straightening and rechroming bumpers. I think the process used hydraulic presses for the straightening part with special tools. Don't know if there are still companies in the business but you might check.

 

[tracdoc]

That's a pretty heavy gauge bumper, like the Tacoma I used to have. That just about excludes using a PDR (paintless dent removal) technique. The option described by Bob999 is the best one if you want to keep your own bumper. It is, however, quite pricey, since there is a lot of labor in dent removal and prep, plus the 3-4 layer process of re-plating. Me thinks it would be more economical to scout out a replacement bumper from a salvage yard---find a totalled Tundra with an intact bumper, and you'll be way ahead. Cheapest option is to leave it the way it is, and call it a mark of character /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[smartguyz]

Hmmm. I agree with the concept of getting a good used bumper and bolting that on. The metal shown is quite thick, has finish damage, and unless you have special equipment, I doubt it can be salvaged to look decent. Don't be too embarassed. Most of us have some really good 'oops' stories. Some (like me) are just thankful to have lived through them.

Sincerely,

Rob /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[DHS]

Bob,

Ebay has several listings for Tundra bumpers. Ebay
Item number: 8035479088 is a new rear bumper for less than $300. Some used bumpers for less.

Dale

 

[BobRip]

If I am going to buy a bumper, I should try to do more on this one first. A friend suggested that I lay the bumper down on a carpeted area and put the end of a 2 X 4 on the inside. Then pound that 2 X 4 with a hammer. He has used this before and it works pretty good. Has anyone tried this?
Thanks for the comments and suggestions.

Bob Ripl

 

[George2615]

I agree with your friend. I have done this before as well and the dents have come out very well. Of course this was on an older 88 rusty suburban. I slid off the edge of a steep icy driveway and into a tree while plowing. Plow was angled to the left and vehicle hit the tree on the right. The bumper bent in and would touch the tire when making a turn. I gently pulled the bumper away from the tire with a chain around a tree. After weather warmed up I removed bumper and did the 2x4 thing. Also used a dead blow hammer (3 lb hammer that is also plastic/rubber coated) The bumper wasn't showroom but you had to look close to see any damage had been done to it. It's worth a shot to try and fix it. If not, all your out is your time then you can buy a used bumper and bolt it on.

 

[BobRip]

Thanks George. I was looking for that kind of response. The friend at work is in his seventies and has a tremendous amount of experience and common sense, but it is nice to have a second opinion.

My thanks to everyone for their help in this off tractor issue.

Bob Rip

 

[MossRoad]

<font color="blue"> The friend at work is in his seventies and has a tremendous amount of experience and common sense </font>

About 15 years ago the company I worked for had a buyout. Anyone 55 or older with 18yrs or longer qualified for it. Most of them took it. Man, the brain drain was incredible. I was fortunate enough to work with a guy for two years before the buyout that had incredible knowledge and was willing to not only share it with me, but teach me, too! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif He's been retired for 15 years, is pushing 75, and the last time I saw him he was teaching himself to burn family tree websites complete with video and photo presentations to DVDs for his grandkids! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Funny thing is, at 45, I am the technician with the most seniority in my department now, with a whopping 18 years of knowledge. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif I find it weird when young people look to me for advice when I still feel young and stupid myself. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[BobRip]

My friend did retire a few years back, and we rehired him as a contractor. You wonder if someone got a big raise for saving the company money by retiring all of this brain power. And then you wonder how much it cost to rehire and how much it cost for the information that was lost.

When the accountants win does everybody have to loose. Of course my friend is only working three days a week, and he really loves his work.

Bob Rip

 

[MossRoad]

My father was almost forced into retirement at 65. He needed to keep working for financial reasons. He got some legal help and toughed it out until he ws 69.5. They changed his job title, then eliminated the position. A few months later they realized he was one of only three people in the state with certification to do the job they needed done and hired him back as a consultant. When they laid him off he was making 40K a year. He started charging them $250 an hour! In just a couple years, he was able to dig out of his financial hole, pay off his house and live pretty well. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[pajoube]

Now that is one of the better success stories. Most people that I know that have retired early and set up a consulting service have gone broke.
I retired at 58 and was asked to come back as a consultant. Thats why I retired early, to get away from the pressure. Never looked back but did do a short (1 1/2 years) at Sears selling in the lawn and garden department. Now that was a job I really liked. Did 1M the first year in sales. After spending my check on tools and everything else I didn't need my wife told me I should give it up. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
PJ

 

[MossRoad]

I have a friend that works seasonally at Lowes. He uses the extra cash to buy Christmas gifts and remodels his house with his employee discount. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

It doesn't look like I will be able to retire early. My youngest is 8 and won't be out of college until I'm 59 or 60. Then I'll probably have to work a while after that. So, if I go until I'm 67 I've only got, hmmmm.... 22 more years to go! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Hey, today's my birthday! I'm 45. I spent the evening last night running my girls to basketball practice and karate and then spnt a half an hour chasing my 8 year old all over a playground jungle gym in the dark in 25 degree temps. I felt like a young man of oh, let's see, I felt about 30-31. Not too bad. Not too sore today, just a bruise where I slammed into a steel pole on top of a slide and a busted cell phone belt clip! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

What does this have to do with tractors and bumpers? Well, nothing! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Sorry to hi-jack the thread. We now return you to your scheduled programming. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[pajoube]

Happy Birthday David
Starting your family (last one) late is part of the reason you will stay young. Those girls (including your wife) are the bond that binds the heart.
I have a brother who is 12 years younger than I. Best thing that every happend to my folks and the older kids.
Have you set a date to start working that land of yours?
PJ

 

[MossRoad]

Setting some interviews with builders soon. I can't wait any longer. But the thought of a mortgage again makes me nervous! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[pajoube]

Are you going to do the design layout yourself and have a drafts person draw it up?
I see pictures coming up. The PT group needs to follow this project. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
PJ

 

[BobRip]

Since you guys have hijacked my thread, how about building the garage on my land. I've got 10 acres and can spare some space. Just to be fair Moss can keep the mortgage.

Bob Rip /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[MossRoad]

<font color="blue"> about building the garage on my land. I've got 10 acres and can spare some space. Just to be fair Moss can keep the mortgage. </font>

I'm planning on buiding a two story garage with 10' ceilings on the first floor. I think that should be plenty of room for a lift. We could put your truck on it and get to that bumper pretty easily. Of course, my wife won't be too keen on building it on your property, but I could probably hide the mortgage under "Tractor Related Expenses" and she might not notice! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif