Not sure this is the right sub. If not, maybe a mod can move to the appropriate sub.

So I have two injuries to my c5 that I'm looking to repair.
First is the front bumper off center on the passenger side. Previous owner hit some debris that some thoughtless jackass dropped in the middle of the freeway. I know this is beyond a permanent repair but I want to at least get the cracks glued back together and maybe spot paint it so it's not so obvious until such time as I can find a good replacement and paint to match.


The second one I think might be a little more reasonable to make a permanent repair. Had it in the garage and a large shelf fell on the DS front fender. Honestly, I was shocked the damage wasn't any worse than it is. It was a heavy shelf and I genuinely expected it to shatter the fender and involve the hood. Just goes to show how sturdy these things are.
But this can be positioned to where the crack is almost undetectable. If I can reinforce it from behind, I think this fender is salvageable.



At some point the entire car is going to get repainted. I already know that. But between now and then, I would like to be able to drive this car without it looking like Uncle Jed's farm tractor.

 

Hi IronJen.

Since nobody else has piped up, I'll add my 2 cents worth...just suggestions.

These parts are pretty plentiful on the used market. Easiest and maybe most cost effective is to replace. Chances are that's where you'll end up anyway.

If you're cheap (like me) and have a bunch of time to burn (not like me), I'd give this a try.

Clean and scuff the backside, 80 grit sandpaper or the like. Secure the positions of the the part adjacent to the crack....even broad tape can work. Use EPOXY resin, like West Systems and a 3-4 layers of progressively larger layers of cloth, 4-6oz. Use as little resin as you can get away with, ensuring the cloth is only just saturated, get air bubbles out. Epoxy resin sticks to anything and remains fairly flexible without cracking.

After backing resin is cured, tackle the front side by routing the crack a bit...maybe 3/4 deep, bevel the edges maybe an inch both sides then use reinforced filler of your choice, sand and paint. Here, poly resin (reinforced Bondo) may work better as it's still kind strong, you're not using much and it's way easier to sand/finish.

I'm not sure how this will work with the fender...might have to try it and see. My understanding is that the majority of the body is a special kind of fibre reinforced plastic; might not act the same as traditional fibreglass. Also there are different stresses, etc (fender meant to be rigid, nose not-so-much).

Understand I have done more-than-my-fair-share of fibreglass repair on boats, cowls, etc. I've also used this method on a couple vehicle front ends and it holds up well.

Your mileage may vary. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the reply. I am cheap. Ultimately, I want this done right, but that's not happening yet. Right now I just want these damages to be less obvious until I have the time and money to do the complete repairs and repaint.

 

If you try to repair yourself, check out this youtube video that discusses adhesives for repairing C5's. Good info in there. About the 26:00 mark he talks about the front fascia.

Here Are The BEST C5 Corvette Body Repair Materials (NO BONDO)

 

Where are you seeing the front bumper in the used markets?
Thanks