What should I do about this bumper fiasco? (Help!)

I purchased a Stingray Lo-Pro bumper from Relentless Fabrication way back in 2017 and I’m just now trying to install it. Yes, I know it’s odd to wait 4.5 years to install a bumper but what can I say? I didn’t have the time and it took me awhile to get all the stuff to go in there (S8, winch, etc) and research the wiring, etc.

What sucks, though is it appears my bumper was damaged during shipping. I remember the box was pretty mangled when UPS brought it, but I opened it and everything looked okay at first glance. What I didn’t see (because I didn’t pull it all the way out and properly inspect — totally my fault and I own that) is that one of the plates that goes underneath the frame ends is totally bent. I’m honestly not sure how it could’ve gotten bent so badly. It must’ve been dropped JUST right to do that.

Given that the bumper isn’t produced anymore, I think replacement is probably not an option. So the question is can I fix this? Any recommendations on what I might do? Take a torch to it? Whack it with a sledge hammer? Any info is much appreciated. Oh, and I’m gonna have a hard time taking the bumper anywhere, as I’ve already cut up the plastic one! So I’m without a drivable truck at the moment.

 

Take a BFH and pound that shit right.....easy

 

Generally when it comes to steel, heat and a hammer will move metal pretty easily. Other option would be to find a local fabricator and have them cut and reweld what ever is bent

 

2nd this. Bend that price back and proceed to mount.

 

This is kinda what I was hoping to hear. But I don’t know that much about steel. My fear is that whacking it even more, especially without heat, might reduce it’s strength / efficacy. And if I was to take a torch to it, would that help? And would it screw up the power coat? It’s not going to be in a very visible spot but I definitely want to maintain the integrity of the bumper.

 

With a big adjustable wrench or even 24” pipe wrench you could probably bend that back where it needs to be.

 

If you are worried about the powder coating and not go deaf at the same time, take a small block of 2x4 on both side and hammer away.
Heat might help but if all you have is a small torch, don't bother. Just take a deep breath and go to town on it.

 

I had a C4 Lopro bumper shipped to me and it arrived with a couple bent tabs. C4 packaged it really well, but the gorillas at the shipping company still had their way with it. Steel is very forgiving. I wouldn’t even heat it. Smack that S.O.B. with a dead-blow hammer and call it done.

 

I'm so tired I read the above with a ball peen hammer being used...

 

Plus one on bending it out and ask for partial refund?

 

Nah this is on me. I should’ve checked better. And gotten to it sooner! But the posts here are very encouraging. I am gonna take some whacks at this tomorrow and see if I can get it back into shape. Any other tips on technique would be appreciated, though.

 

Not really. We all miss things and have different schedules. I have mods sitting in my basement waiting for the weather to try up and as much as I try to inspect everything, sometimes things get overlooked. Just send them an email and ask what they can do. Don't demand anything, you shouldn't have to and I'm willing to bet relentless will try to help and do the right thing. Doesn't hurt to ask. Email them a pic, tell them your situation and wait for their response.

Personally, I'd heat it and bend it, but not everyone has the tools or like you, feel safe doing it. No shame there man. Send em an email! Don't heat the past you are hitting... That'll flaten it, lol. If you use heat, then use it on the bed only.

 

It’s probably A36 or some other mild steel, working it that small amount without heat is safer than someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing with a torch heating it. Don’t overthink it, you aren’t going to cold work it to failure.

 

If you know someone that has a bench vise, you could clamp the tab in the vise and then just push on the bumper to bend the tab into position. Might take a friend to help hold the bumper when putting it in the vise. No worries about structural effects no matter the method you chose to straighten it.

 

I would use a big adjustable wrench with a cheater pipe.
Lay it down on padding, have someone or someone's stand on the hoop and it will bend easier then you think. That be the least amount of damage to the paint.

 

2x4 on either side, clamp it with a pipe wrench or two. Bend to satisfaction

 

Wood block and dead blow that MFer like it owes you money.

Mostly just commenting for the update.

 

Since there is a mounting hole through that part, maybe bolt a long 2x4, 4x4, or heavy angle iron with a thick bolt and fender washers and have a couple buds hold it in place while you pry into position.

 

I like this idea best. I retract my previous advice to "dead blow that MFer like it owes you money" and second this recommendation.

 

WITH THIS HAMMER I have channeled all my ANGER and MALICE:



YIELD the bumper did, as was foretold by the people here.



And BEHOLD the dry fitment has COME TO PASS!



I can’t thank you guys enough for all the support here. I will post a pic when everything is finished!