Due to a collision,( 85% my fault), I sustained a hole turn in my bumper cover. The paint job alone on a used replacement costs 500 dollars.

Question: Can this be patched some how?

I was thinking about attaching a screen to the back and using some type of putty to fill it matching paint best I can with spray paint..?

What do you think?

Jeffxj8

 

I would buy a good-used bumper cover from a salvage yard and paint it to match.

Many auto parts paint retailers with a 3M paint mixer can formulate the color and put it into a 12 oz spray can.

 

There are many patch products, you just need to find one that will fill such a large hole and one you prefer. I would ask a body shop, if they have any recommendations also.
I do agree with Bob, getting one out of a yard would be the easiest, but I did some looking and they tend to run around 350-450 just for the cover.

Here's some videos to review for the products offered, to see what's involved....
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...%26FORM%3DVDRE

 

I picked up a new skin , primed ready for paint on eBay shipped for $250, look around.

 

Motor Man, High Horse , and King Charles,

Thanks for the advise. I got a whole new bumper for 50 dollars!. It has all the signals, lights and aluminum bumper But the colour is not a match.

So, I'll have to paint it. I saw many contradictory instructional videos on the web. I can buy matching paint in spray cans so matching is not an issue.

What's the right way to go about painting it?

Jeffxj8

 

Actually, you should need a flex bond additive for the paint or it will almost assuredly peel. I'd ask a shop how much they'd shoot it for. They can order a quart and shoot it probably for less than 200. Ask them if there's anything you can do to cut the labor time, ...like scuff the finish so the paint will adhere.

 

Progress, I took everyone's advise and am painting a new / used cover. There is lots of contradictory info on U Tube so I'm kind of winging it. Its my first paint job. Any input would be appreciated.

So far I :

sanded off old surface with 320 paper
cleaned with soapy water
cleaned with mineral spirits
sprayed with "filler" primer, grey (spray can)
lightly sanded with 320 again
wiped off with damp cloth
sprayed with "filler primer again

I plan to:

lightly sand with 320 again
spray with jaguar matched paint, (Wall Mart website 34 USD per can)
lightly sand with 320
wipe off with damp cloth
spray with jag matched paint
spray with rustolem clear coat
live happily ever after

Am I on the right path?

 

In case that WalMart brand fails ya... https://www.automotivetouchup.com/to...-paint/jaguar/

As for your path, you seem to be looking good. But don't be afraid to ask a local paint supplier regarding that Flexbond, I mentioned earlier, or your finish may crack and peel.

 

Thanks High Horse,

I"m using rattle cans so I cant add anything to the paint. Its a brand called "Touch Up Express" sold via the wal mart site. They sell it with matching paint codes. The product description says it's the best on the market and does not need clear coat. It does not say anything about use on flexible parts.

 

Just don't 'flex-it'?
Stay away from low stuff.

 

+1. When I bought paint to refinish my XK8 bumper the shop told me not to bother with flex finish. It's function is to prevent cracks if the bumper suffers a parking lot hit. If that happens the paint will likely be scuffed and scratched, so it will require refinishing even if it's flex resistant.

 

Looks great but will it last? The grill strip (?) in the foreground is the original that I'm trying to match.

I applied "adhesion promoter" on top of the last coat of primer, contrary to the directions that said to apply it to the plastic. (I primed it before receiving the paint and directions)

I figured, if the paint adheres to the primer, all the better.

I got a lot of varying guidance from , You Tube, videos, part store guys, local friends, and directions on paint cans. Is there an official, Jaguar approved, "right way" to paint a plastic bumper?

The paint directions say clear coat is not needed but I'm thinking it may make it shinier and last longer.?

I am very satisfied whit how the bumper cover turned out but the job is not nearly done yet.

THX jeff xj8

 

The 'strip' is called a 'splitter' or 'vane-splitter'.

Nice repair.

Clear coat can't hurt.

 

Now I'm done painting. Although the paint can directions said no clear coat needed, I applied a coat and it looks great, can't hardly tell the difference.

Now, to put it back together.

THX for the help,

jeffxj8

 

Looks good !

 

Good to see that you did the job on your own. It looks good, you learned something and you saved some money. These cars turn up in wrecking yards and you can find a lot of good bits on those donor cars. Kudos!

 

good choice using adhesion promoter

 

I think that could be repaired if needed. I have a bumper from a car I am parting out I would sell. Where are you located. I’m in the Chicago area.

 

Sorry I didn’t read the whole thread. I see you repaired yours. Nice job.

 

thanks anyhow wrightbenz. i prob would have bought the bumper cover cover.. we have the same color xj's. that car looks like its in great shape. why are you parting it out?

i live in Maryland , shipping would have been pretty expensive.

thx jeffxj8