Possible to bend front bumper back into shape?
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 46
Likes: 2
Possible to bend front bumper back into shape?
77 F150 Ranger. The previous owner had run into a pole which dented the grill and bumper in the center. So, I replaced the grill and, shocker, the bumper no longer fits. Is it possible/worth it to try and bend it into shape? Maybe use a torch to heat it up? Or is it just better to buy?
There's nothing being sold around my area for parts for these trucks, so I'd have to resort to LMC or the like. Speaking of, how's the quality of a new bumper from LMC?
Thanks!
There's nothing being sold around my area for parts for these trucks, so I'd have to resort to LMC or the like. Speaking of, how's the quality of a new bumper from LMC?
Thanks!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 995
Likes: 317
If you post a pic of the damage it would help. Most likely it won't work to straighten it but if only a slight bend its possible to maybe make it functional and presentable. Heating will discolor the chrome.
Another option is chrome plating shops are sometimes magicians at straightening bumpers so that's an option if you have a good shop nearby give them a holler.
Another option is chrome plating shops are sometimes magicians at straightening bumpers so that's an option if you have a good shop nearby give them a holler.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,194
Likes: 5,795
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
You can try, but normally once the metal is stretched/dented it is near impossible to get bent back into a nice shape. And or the chrome will start peeling. One time took a drop bumper hitch right in the middle/license plate area on my 73 (right between the frame rails) to the point it bent the frame horn edges.
16 years old... so I put the bumper in between 2 close grown trees, use a come a long and a sledge to get it straight er/ish, and then painted it black. to hind the hammer marks. And I managed to break a crow bar in the process, that one shocked my dad.
Best bet is to source a quality replacement from Dennis Carpenter. I have not head the best opinions on LMC bumpers other than thin metal, thin chrome junk.
Have you reached out the your FTE state chapter folks? ND https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum223/
16 years old... so I put the bumper in between 2 close grown trees, use a come a long and a sledge to get it straight er/ish, and then painted it black. to hind the hammer marks. And I managed to break a crow bar in the process, that one shocked my dad.
Best bet is to source a quality replacement from Dennis Carpenter. I have not head the best opinions on LMC bumpers other than thin metal, thin chrome junk.
Have you reached out the your FTE state chapter folks? ND https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum223/
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,029
Likes: 891
From: East Central Ia
Nothing ventured nothing gained. Know anyone with hydraulic press or a machine shop? Have them protect the chrome with some wood and press from the back side opposite what the pole did. You would be surprised how many bumpers you could straighten the ends on with a set of bumper hooks a strong 2X4. https://www.tsautomotivesolutions.co...eavy-Duty-.png
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 46
Likes: 2
So this is how it currently looks. More or less just want to get it on the truck so it looks a little more presentable and so I can get my license plate back on
Im now curious how you managed to break that crowbar..
I requested to join the chapter. I didnt realize the site had them but havent explored too much. No surprise here, but only one thread has a post after the year 2018 lol
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,194
Likes: 5,795
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Well that ought to be salvageable for the most part. Yes use wood to protect the chrome and sledge it in the middle. And yes a pro shop with a hyd press would do a better job. But one thing for sure where the metal is stretched (right at the area the bend changes angles) is done for. When you press it back straight it is either going to raise up and or dip down.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,809
Likes: 2,605
From: The Shenandoah Valley
Pad & protect the chrome, I'd start with bumper facing down, ends up on wood blocks, a piece of plywood on the back of the license plate area, and a bottle jack jacking against something not apt to move upwards, go slow, watch for slips, it might really look OK, try to avoid hitting it with a hammer.
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Joined: Jan 2021
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From: Flo-rida
Mine was bent pretty bad where PO hooked something with it backing up similar to way yours is bent. It looks decent but has a wrinkle in the top. I placed the bumper on a floor jack and under the hitches of my two trucks and jacked away until it was where I wanted it.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Angier, NC
Dave ----
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Central Florida
Your bumper doesn't look too bad but you should cehck the frame horns that these bumpers bolt directly to. It is possible that the frame horns have been bent and your straightened out bumper or replacement bumper will not fit. See the first few pages of my build to see an example.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,917
Likes: 4,123
From: Angier, NC
Your bumper doesn't look too bad but you should cehck the frame horns that these bumpers bolt directly to. It is possible that the frame horns have been bent and your straightened out bumper or replacement bumper will not fit. See the first few pages of my build to see an example.
I come-a-long or ratch strap and a good tree or phone pole will work.
Dave ----