Damaged Front Lip - Liberty STI

[edd13k]

Hey All,

Has anyone used or have any pointers using plastic weld?

I've just picked up my Liberty, and the front lip is damaged, just wondering if I can use plastic weld to hold it up.

Thanks!

[eckymosis]

So you want to hold the lip up to the front bumper?

Bull clips. Seriously. Jim (aka Tek) suggested it in this thread and at first I secretly laughed of the suggestion. However when Aaron and I tried to patch up the crack I had on my lip and fix the sagging issue, the bull clips were not only sturdy and out of sight but also held the lip tighter than the factory clips.

They also suggested a few other things in the link above.

[edd13k]

So you want to hold the lip up to the front bumper?

Bull clips. Seriously. Jim (aka Tek) suggested it in this thread and at first I secretly laughed of the suggestion. However when Aaron and I tried to patch up the crack I had on my lip and fix the sagging issue, the bull clips were not only sturdy and out of sight but also held the lip tighter than the factory clips.

They also suggested a few other things in the link above.

I don't think bull clips can be used, because the bottom part of lip is actually cracked along the back seam (not sure if that made sense). I'll take a pic soon.

Basically there is no surface area to use the clips or industrial strength double sided tape. I think plastic welding is the only option.

Thanks for providing the thread, might have to grab some of that araldite product over the weekend.

[edd13k]

Ok, here are the pics.

No place to fit the bull clips (even under/behind the lip) - I would've loved a simple and easy solution like this.

Also, the lip is cracked on one side as well. Would plastic weld hold?

[teK--]

IMHO just get a new lip, that one looks pretty munted.

[cruisn]

IMHO just get a new lip, that one looks pretty munted.

Agreed.

[edd13k]

IMHO just get a new lip, that one looks pretty munted.

hmm, you're probably right.

Nevertheless, I might make this my first car DIY project - try and fix it.

[cruisn]

Give it a go, if its already broken, you have nothing to lose, more to gain, if nothing but experience.

Im just about to start repairing the GT spec B Ultrex lip thats cracked that came with Clarence's front bar. It has a whole missing section and 2 cracks that Im going to repair.

[edd13k]

Give it a go, if its already broken, you have nothing to lose, more to gain, if nothing but experience.

Im just about to start repairing the GT spec B Ultrex lip thats cracked that came with Clarence's front bar. It has a whole missing section and 2 cracks that Im going to repair.

Will do Mark!

I'll post some before and after pics. Please post your pics up as well - and GOOD LUCK with it all.

[blacktop™]

Im just about to start repairing the GT spec B Ultrex lip thats cracked that came with Clarence's front bar. It has a whole missing section and 2 cracks that Im going to repair.

How are you going to do it mark? Plastic welding or fiberglassing or another method?

[cruisn]

Im fibreglassing it and have just done the first section.

Theres nothing really to plastic weld as both cracks are in line with the missing section so Ive layered fibreglass right across that entire section to form the backing. Once thats set, i'll roughly shape it and see where it needs some more fibreglass.

Then i'll wipe it with bodyfiller, sand it back and finish with some high fill undercoat. Another sand, paint and an Ebay STi badge and no one will be none the wiser.

I'll post some pics as it goes along.

[cruisn]

1st stage, a layer of fibreglass across the underneath of the top edge to cover all repair areas and to form a solid base.

You can see from the left of the attachment bracket where the section is completely snapped out and theres a lengthways crack in front of that bracket also.

Underneath....



Top....

[edd13k]

wow, do you have prior experience with fiberglass?
(in other words, could i do it? - someone with no experience at all)

[cruisn]

Well ive surfed since I was little and done a lot of my own repairs and have done a fair few custom grilles, so I have done it before. But all self taught. Nothing anyone else wouldnt be able to pick up.

Its pretty easy to do, just follow the steps on the fibreglass kit and you should be all sweet. If your unsure still, im happy to give you some tips.

[edd13k]

Great to hear Mark!
I'm going to head down to Bunnings tomorrow and pick up a few things. Although I might have some (stupid) questions for you while 'trying' to repair it.