Bumper - Facia Repair: Overview

Reference:
PI95-002

Date:
March 10, 1995

POLYURETHANE & POLYPROPYLENE BUMPER FACIA REPAIR

APPLIED VEHICLES:

1995 240SX (S14)
1995 Maxima (A32)
1995 300ZX (Z32)
1995 Sentra/200SX (B14)
1995 Altima (U13)
1995 Quest (V40)

SERVICE INFORMATION

Although this bulletin provides information regarding identification, repair and refinishing of polyurethane and polypropylene bumper facias on Nissan vehicles, the repair technician may benefit from participation in a comprehensive automotive plastics repair course.

Caution:
When repairing or refinishing bumper facias, it is important to use the appropriate products for the material you are refinishing. Refinish paint may not adhere if the part has not been properly repaired, cleaned and prepped (refer to PI94-003).

A polyurethane bumper facia can be distinguished from a polypropylene facia by using the following test:

Sand an area near the damage with a 36 grit disc.

^ If the material sands cleanly, the bumper is polyurethane.
^ If the material melts or smears when sanded, it is polypropylene.

Alternate checks:

1. Refer to the appropriate Body Repair Manual that supplies information regarding bumper facia materials.

2. The bumper facia material can be identified by the material codes PUR or PP embossed on the inside of the facia.




Refer to chart - for identification of applied model bumper facia materials.

For information regarding the painting of replacement facias, refer to the Nissan publication 94-003.

NOTE:
Always be sure to use proper hand, eye and breathing protection when working with or around bumper facia repair chemicals, products and repair tools and a!so when performing the following welding, grinding, and sanding operations.

BUMPER FACIA REPAIR




Plastic material damage can be repaired by heat, plastic welding, or adhesive repair, depending on the type of material and extent of the damage. It may be necessary to use a combination of these methods to complete a repair. Each repair method is described in the procedures below.

HEATING REPAIR METHOD

A jet heater, infrared lights, or dry oven can be used to heat a deformed facia to its deformation temperature. At this temperature, the plastic becomes soft and the damaged area can be returned to its original shape. In some cases, a slight deformation may not return to its proper shape using heat.




Resource Guide - Manufacturers and Product Information