Expert: William Forster - 10/27/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hello my names Stephanie and i am quite familiar on doing body work and well I got into an accident and the rear left bumper is literally dragging on the ground. Luckily i can work on vehicles and its a fiber-glass body. So my question is... I really cant remember what the full out process of re-bonding the fiberglass pieces is. I know you first tack on a metal mesh and plaster it... right? and ALOT of sanding. I can paint the car myself since it wont be my first paint job but I really cant afford to get someone else to do it. I am desperately in a rush to get this done if you would be able to help me out it would be absolutely amazing!!!!
Thank you for your time and if u could reply to my e-mail it would be amazing!!!

ANSWER: Stephanie, the fiero body is plastic, not fiberglass. The rear bumper cover is bolted and clipped on, not bonded. If it's been torn from the car, it surely needs replaced, because all it's mounting points have been torn away. Repair is not likely for the existing cover. Look for a replacement bumper cover. Bill

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Sir I do believe you are highly qualified but I swear to you that the body is fiber glass I truly know this! I have pictures if you need! I know plastics more of a clean brake but fiber glass "shreds" , but what you are saying in total its in my best interest to just replace it even with it being fiber glass?

Answer
Stephanie, I may be confusing the car with an early Saturn model. Either way, the bumper will be much easier to replace than to repair. Any panel that is pretty much ripped from the vehicle needs replaced. Look around on ebay, something might come up. Bill