Suicidal pigeon damaged my bumper

  1. My model of MX-5 is: __2018 ND 1.5
  2. I’m based near: __York
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: __ smart bumper repair

    Not sure as I type the image has loaded onto my post but if not quite simply I was bimbling along and a pigeon swooped down head on into fns bumper and left a 3 inch crack from the bottom edge of the DRL towards the crease which fortunately stopped the crack from spreading any further! I removed the feather and the damage isn’t noticeable from walking round but press it and it opens up! A new bumper sprayed and fitted is circa £1k so thinking a smart plastic weld from the inside access from wheel arch liner!? Anyone had a similar misfortune and is it possible to repair a crack with a patch and a bit of touch up on the paint? Thanks in advance :+1:t2: PS it was the fattest wood pigeon ever that fell from a tall tree and couldn’t even flap its wings the bar steward :face_with_symbols_over_mouth:Couldn’t swerve as cars to my right!

Meant to say that the bumper popped off it’s clip where it meets the wing but I pushed it back down and stayed in place with reasonable shut line.

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The positive is that it did not hit where the pedestrian safety sensors are so saved you the inconvenience of an insurance claim.

The repair depends on how much you can afford and how ‘fussy’ you are.

For very little money you can try a DIY repair from the rear using a glass fibre repair kit to bond the two sides of the crack and then disguise the visible crack on the outside with a touch up. If you don’t like the result then you can get an ‘expert’ to look at it.
:heart:

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Take the bumper off and repair with one of these from the back, job done, re-fit…

Or one of these…

M-m

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Thank you to both of you and it’s given peace of mind that a cheaper repair is available and I don’t want to trouble my insurance.
So cheers :blush:

If you want a “COLD” repair - rather than having to use a plastic welder or hot staples you could try the old motorcycle fairing fix.

Melt Lego bricks in acetone to form a paste and use this as your repair medium with a little fibreglass matting thrown in for extra strength.

Plastic car bumpers ( like motorcycle fairings ) are very close to Lego bricks in composition.

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Isn’t this what insurance is for? That said I think my voluntary excess might be £400, and the compulsory one £250, so I’d have £650 to play with.

Try the dent man? I’m sure they don’t just do dents.

Looking on the bright side, it didn’t blow your bonnet up.

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Googling suggests cracked bumper repairs “for less than insurance excess” is possible by SMART repair specialists.

DIY repairs are all very well, but for most, it usually ends in tears with paint.

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That’s amazing work and my thoughts too. Everyone has different skills and abilities but DIY car body work isn’t mine! I usually ■■■■■ up with touching up a stone chip😂
I am grateful for all my replies as my objective was to see if it can be fixed rather than bumper replacement and insurance claim. The DIY fixers made it No to that expense but I will be seeking out a professional to repair for less than my excess.
It’s great being part of family of enthusiasts there is always someone who’s knows something :clap:t2::star_struck: