The Importance of Auto Body Work

If you've had a slight mishap while driving and your chrome bumper is a little dented, you might be wondering how much it will cost to fix it. If you're in a pinch for cash, you can fix it yourself with a few simple tools, the help of a friend and little bit of time. This guide explains how to get a small dent out of a chrome bumper so that your vehicle will look great again.

Step 1: Collect Your Tools

Before you set out to remove the dent, collect the following items from your garage, and go to the store to pick up the items you don't have:

• rubber mallet
• screwdriver
• wrench
• propane torch
• silicone cutting mat
• square wooden block (small piece of a 2x4)

Step 2: Take Off the Bumper

Use a screwdriver or wrench, depending on what's holding the bumper in place, and remove the bumper. Put all nuts, bolts and screws in a safe place. Set the bumper in the upright position on a workbench or table, and enlist the help of a friend to hold the bumper still.

Step 3: Soften Up the Metal

Tap the back of the dent lightly with a rubber mallet for a few minutes. This will soften it up to help prevent further damage.

Step 4: Heat Up the Metal

Light the propane torch and hold it close to the metal, without touching it, for a few minutes.

Step 5: Set Up the Silicone Mat

Place the silicone cutting mat directly onto the dent immediately after heating.

Step 6: Hammer Out the Dent

Pick up the wooden block with one hand and hold it against the dent. Pick up the mallet with the other hand and tap the block with it. Begin tapping lightly at first, and then gradually increase the intensity of the hits. Continue tapping until you can see the dent flatten out from the other side.

Step 7: Check Your Work

Remove the block and the silicone mat and check the smoothness of the bumper. If there is still a dent, repeat the heating and tapping process.

Step 8: Reinstall the Bumper

When you are happy with the results of your dent-removing project, ask your friend to help you replace the bumper on the vehicle. Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are secure.

Keep in mind that once a chrome bumper is dented, there is a chance that you still might have a few scratches in it, even though you can take the dent out. For more information, or if you would like professional assistance, contact Mojave Paint And Body 2 or a similar company.