How to Unfold a Bumper

If you are looking into ordering a bumper for your vehicle, you might see that many bumpers have the benefit of being folded for the shipping process. There are plenty of advantages to shipping a folded bumper, including the reduced shipping cost. If you order a folded bumper and are having it shipped, you’ll want to know how to properly unfold the bumper in order to ensure that it returns to its original state. In this article, we’ll guide you through the various methods for unfolding a bumper once it arrives at your doorstep.

Front and Rear Replacement Bumpers

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re in the unfortunate position of having to replace a car bumper. Car bumpers are very important to the integrity of your vehicle, whether you encounter minor scrapes or intense collisions.

As the front and rear of the car, bumpers are generally the most commonly affected parts of a car during an accident. They are designed to absorb the shock from a collision as well as to protect you and the more important components of the vehicle. This keeps the driver and passengers safe and mitigates the overall cost of fixing the damage done to the car.

There can be plenty of other wreckage in addition to bumper damage when you get into a fender bender or some other similar situation. This includes shattered lights, damaged censors, and messed up trim. If you’ve been in an accident, even if it was minor, you should always get your car checked to make sure all of the components are working properly.

Even if you can’t see the damage done, it doesn’t mean that it’s not there. There could be underlying issues beneath the surface. This is why it’s important to get your car looked at by a technician. After seeing a professional, they will likely let you know whether the damage requires a replacement bumper or a simple repair.

Bumper Replacements vs Bumper Repairs

Generally speaking, more minor damage will most likely require a bumper repair while more extensive damage might necessitate a bumper replacement. Minor scratches, chipped paint, small dents and other more cosmetic issues are examples of things that are easier to repair. Severe damage like big dents and cracks are harder to repair, and it is usually more financially beneficial to simply replace the bumper. 

We stress that you should seek a professional’s opinion before deciding whether to replace or repair your vehicle.

How to Unfold a Folded Bumper

If you have ordered a bumper and are having it shipped to you, you might be surprised to find that it comes to you folded. But don’t panic. It’s supposed to come that way. Generally, companies fold their bumpers in order to lower the shipping costs for customers.

So how do you get the bumper back to its initial form? There are a couple ways one can go about it. One is called the outside method, and the other is called the inside method. Both methods are generally what they sound like, but let’s get into some more details. Read along to learn how to properly unfold a folded bumper.

The Indoor Method

Let’s start out with the indoor method. This is the quickest way to unfold a bumper, but it’s also the method that requires more of your effort and, potentially, your money. If you don’t have an open outdoor space to leave the bumper in for a few hours, you might want to use this method. Additionally, for those who already have a heat gun, this method could be a good choice for you as well.

The first thing you need to do is unpackage your bumper. Flatten the box underneath it or place it on anything that would make a good work surface. For the next step, you’ll need to have a heat gun (a hairdryer can work in a pinch too). When you’re looking at the folded bumper, identify places where the bumper creases, and apply heat to them. Be careful not to focus on one spot for too long with the heat gun. Keep the heat gun moving to apply evenly over the surface. Once all of the creases are straightened out, the cover is unfolded.

The Outdoor Method

Now the outdoor approach takes a little longer than the indoor process, but it requires less effort on your part and fewer tools. So, if you have access to direct sunlight and a big enough outdoor space, but you don’t have a heat gun, this method could be the best option for you.

Before you start, you need to know that it will take approximately four hours for the entire process of unfolding to take place. Because of the time that it takes, you’ll need to choose a place that will consistently get sunlight for four straight hours.

For the next step, use the flattened cardboard box or something else as a workspace. Place the bumper on top of the cardboard and let it sit out in the sun for three hours. At the three hour mark, you’ll want to flip the bumper over. After this, leave the bumper alone for another hour. Once the full four hours are up, your bumper is ready for further work.

More Information on New Bumpers

If you’re having trouble with trying to repair or replace your bumper, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at FitParts. On our website, you’ll find front and rear bumper options for many different car styles and brands. Not only do we offer many of these different options, we also can answer any questions regarding the shipping of an order or questions about our products.

When it comes to bumper shipping, FitParts is economical. We don’t necessarily think that quality products must be expensive. All of our parts reach or exceed OEM standards while also remaining affordable. Additionally, our support team is available around the clock, and we offer some of the best prices on the market. If you’re looking to replace your bumper, FitParts is a no brainer.