Ouch! Bent Front Bumper
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4wd Low
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 12
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles area
I don’t have a press. And I tend to buy tools as I need them. Though I’m not sure how often I’d use a large press. And I’d need a big one for this bumper. So I’m debating my options. Which is why I posted this thread. Thanks to everyone for the ideas!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,165
Likes: 4,765
From: Burbank, WA
Honestly, putting the bumper back on the truck, then finding a pole or tree to push against is not a bad idea. The object to straightening is to apply reverse pressure to what caused the bend in the first place. The truck's frame will act as a fixture, the same as when it got bent, you're not going to hurt the truck if you put the pressure on the end of the bumper. The bumper will give and bend in the same place it bent before and basically straighten itself. You're not looking to smash anything, just apply constant pressure and watch the bumper move right back into position. It's the same concept a frame machine will do on a bent frame. The bodyman/frame tech will tie the frame to the machine in strategic places, then using the machine's hydraulics pull the frame back around straight. It may require a little heat and finessing on the flanges when you're done to finish the details, but 99% of it will be taken care of.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,165
Likes: 4,765
From: Burbank, WA
One may have also been able to put the truck in neutral, lift on the bumper and push backwards on the truck to get past the hook.
Last edited by 52 Merc; Jan 11, 2026 at 06:35 PM.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 515
I would use heat, square tubing and large clamps to straighten it, if it were me.
You will not know how well it will turn out until you try it.
I straightened out my bent running boards using this method. It worked great. Unfortunately, for the time it took including the price of sand blasting, it would have been cheaper to buy new ones. However, I was able to save the originals.
You will not know how well it will turn out until you try it.
I straightened out my bent running boards using this method. It worked great. Unfortunately, for the time it took including the price of sand blasting, it would have been cheaper to buy new ones. However, I was able to save the originals.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,364
Likes: 5,377
From: Central PA
There's some good ideas listed here. If it were me, I would try to straighten it first. If not successful to your liking them buy a repopped bumper and sell your old one to recoup some of your money.
Here is something no one mentioned yet. With many guys putting chrome or stainless bumpers on I bet you can find a good used one on eBay, Marketplace or a large flea market/parts swap meet.
Here is something no one mentioned yet. With many guys putting chrome or stainless bumpers on I bet you can find a good used one on eBay, Marketplace or a large flea market/parts swap meet.
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 12
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles area
There's some good ideas listed here. If it were me, I would try to straighten it first. If not successful to your liking them buy a repopped bumper and sell your old one to recoup some of your money.
Here is something no one mentioned yet. With many guys putting chrome or stainless bumpers on I bet you can find a good used one on eBay, Marketplace or a large flea market/parts swap meet.
Here is something no one mentioned yet. With many guys putting chrome or stainless bumpers on I bet you can find a good used one on eBay, Marketplace or a large flea market/parts swap meet.
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 12
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles area
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Trailering
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 21
Likes: 14
From: Salida, CO
How to get truck off of rebar.
So sorry it happened. Its a beautiful truck!
Not to hijack this thread but it got me wondering though. Say when you were backing out and first felt that something seemed wrong, if you did shut off the engine, got out, and looked under and saw that piece of rebar catching the bumper, what does a guy do then? Air the tire(s)way up? Take off the bumper maybe. But what if you dont have an air compressor or tools along? I know we got some really smart dudes on this forum. What are your ideas on how a guy could quickly get himself out of a jam like this?
Not to hijack this thread but it got me wondering though. Say when you were backing out and first felt that something seemed wrong, if you did shut off the engine, got out, and looked under and saw that piece of rebar catching the bumper, what does a guy do then? Air the tire(s)way up? Take off the bumper maybe. But what if you dont have an air compressor or tools along? I know we got some really smart dudes on this forum. What are your ideas on how a guy could quickly get himself out of a jam like this?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 185
Likes: 80
I bent my rear bumper on my '51 (its the ribbed bumper and it was touching the fender) when I backed into some weeds/brush with a hidden stump. Using some wood blocks and a tractor tire as a press, applying a little heat here and there, a big hammer, and repaint, it looks like it never happened.
Slow and steady, analyzing each move, and depending on your skills you could straighten it too. But like the others said, it might be worth buying another one... particularly if you have to pay someone.
Slow and steady, analyzing each move, and depending on your skills you could straighten it too. But like the others said, it might be worth buying another one... particularly if you have to pay someone.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,670
Likes: 1,249
From: Jefferson City, MO
Part of me says to see what you can do to straighten it, just to say you did it. The other side says "Ain't nobody got time for that!" and buy a new one.
If you do try it, document your efforts.
Great truck by the way.
If you do try it, document your efforts.
Great truck by the way.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,364
Likes: 5,377
From: Central PA
The OP hasn't posted since January 11. Hopefully he'll check in with an update.
1. The easiest is to buy a new repop bumper, if places have them in stock.
2. My preferred choice would to find a good used black bumper. Lots of guys are buying chrome or stainless new bumpers so I'm sure good used areisted for sale. It may take more time to find one but cheaper than a repop.
3. Cheapest way is to fix it yourself as many have suggested
1. The easiest is to buy a new repop bumper, if places have them in stock.
2. My preferred choice would to find a good used black bumper. Lots of guys are buying chrome or stainless new bumpers so I'm sure good used areisted for sale. It may take more time to find one but cheaper than a repop.
3. Cheapest way is to fix it yourself as many have suggested
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
The bumper is stretched on the 2 channel parts ( the horizontal metal areas). Don't bother with presses or posts or whatever, that won't shrink the stretched metal. Cut slits in the 2 horizontal areas, now you only have the vertical part of the bumper to straighten. Channel iron is almost impossible to straighten because it is stretched. After straightening the vertical part of the bumper (which is basically flat metal with the slits cut in horizontal parts) which is easy to bend with the top and bottom slits cut. Now grind and weld the slits you cut back together. Now grind the welds smooth and paint that nice bumper. Hot rodders build stuff after all. PS, you may have to widen the slits into a V if the stretch is bad enough.
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