So, I've been going thru the process of repairing the front of my MINI after I hit a deer. So far, I have replaced the radiator support, wheel well liners, skid plate, AC condenser, front spoiler, and fog lights. I sourced a used Chili Red bumper online, and that arrived today. It is in generally great condition, but unfortunately the mounting tabs for the daytime running lights/indicators were broken in transit (see photos). Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix these?

I chose a used one that was already painted, because I really didn't want to pay $300+ for a new, genuine bumper cover (I don't like aftermarket), and then another $300+ to have it painted. That was an estimate from a local body shop.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

You could try using a bumper repair epoxy. Bondo makes one that is readily available. Otherwise I have seen people hot air weld to repair bumpers.

 

I use JB Quik Weld like it's going out of style. They also make a tan colored epoxy marketed specifically for plastic that I've used with success.

Look up "plastic welding" - I use wood burning tools / soldering iron to accomplish my initial fusing and cratering of the plastic to ensure the epoxy has plenty to bond to.

Edit: I'd drill a mm into the bumper to get better fusion, drill through the piece that's broken off. Pout epoxy down and put the tab back in place. That'll allow flow-through. Use a soldering iron the melt the edges around the outside and press the bits together. Once that plastic is grooved and blended a bit, and hardened again, epoxy it all up. Let it dry 24hrs and you're golden. I've re-designed air boxes with this method to great success.

 

Thanks for the help, guys. I like both ideas. I thought about using a soldering iron to "melt weld" the plastic together. I've seen it used by the guys at the "Salvage Rebuilds UK" site on youtube. The only thing that puts me off that process is the thickness (or lack of) on the tabs. If you look at the photo's, those tabs are really thin. So I think that I'm going to have to go with some kind kind of bonding process.

Again, thanks for the input.

 

I repaired my buddies entire bumper with bumper weld.. gorilla brand 2 part epoxy is very good too, I use that on alot of plastic stuff with good results.

 

^^^^ Thank you. I'll head down to O'Reillys tomorrow to see what they have.

 

walmart has a larger selection and MUCH better priced. or any home good store like menards or home depot. Those little autostores as handy as they are, you PAY a markup on almost any on the shelf product they carry . Unless it was on sale , I dont think I've ever seen them beat walmarts or menards prices on oil,filters and fluids as well as other things like bondo kits ect.