Follow along as I destroy my car (bumper repaint)
 

Finally started on the project of repainting my back bumper. I'm going to do step by step instructions on doing this. If it comes out looking terrible hopefully it will convince someone else not to do it. However if it comes out good it will be a good guide for someone else. ;)

P.S. this is the scariest thing I have ever done to my car. I feel like throwing up just looking at the pictures. Lol

Start:
Remove all dirt and debris including wax from paint. We used a little bit of gas on a rag.
http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/s...g?t=1301797616
You can't tell from the picture, but the paint had spider webbed for quite a way from the impact.

Began wet sanding with 400 and 220:
http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/s...g?t=1301797754

http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/s...g?t=1301797828

The spider webs went past the primer, so we had to take it down to plastic on most of the damaged area. Very slow process.
http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/s...g?t=1301797872

This pictures shows that my bumper had been painted by a shop before that did a half ass job. They did not go to the plastic, they primered over the factory coat and painted another layer over that. The red in the circle is factor. The paint around the circle is the respray.
http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/s...g?t=1301797971

Done for today :(
http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/s...g?t=1301798144

Going to Bondo a few shallow cracks, primer, adhesion promoter, paint and clear coat next weekend. I will be sure to keep this updated.

WOW... that takes some kuhones. Please keep us posted with updates.

Ha I know I feel a little sick. But I'm starting a small summer business detailing cars, so within a few months I should have enough for a GT500 rear bumper and duals. So even if this does come out bad I won't have it long... hopefully. :icon_emm:

If anyone has any advice or tips I would be glad to hear it.

My advice is to pray...a lot! But good luck, I have some stops on my car that I would like to fill in a paint but I'm to chicken to do so. +1 for doing it yourself.

I am impressed! Good luck with it and Keep us updated! Weekends projects are the best! Makes me wish I didn't have student loans to pay so that I could mod every weekend! haha

Dang tanner, you officially have more ballz than me lol!

I can't really offer much advice except when I was young I used to paint model cars and primer was ALWAYS one of the most important steps. That and some even clear coat.

If you mess up, you can just wet sand the messed up spot and use some rubbing compound to get it even I guess, but looks like you got everything down tight!

Lol thanks guys. This could possibly be a mistake bit I was so tired of looking at that nasty damaged spot. At least when its painted it wont be as noticeable.

I'm real Intrested in this! Keep us up to date! Hopping yours turns out! My front bumper needs total repair, but I'm terrified on doing it! Good luck!

:eek:
I say good luck to you Tanner. I simply don't think I have it in me to do what you are attempting.

You're off to a good start, but don't try to use regular Bondo on plastic, it will crack. Use fiberglass filler at least....there are also fillers available for plastic bumper covers like this.