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Fender Dent

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by 13silvertrail, Feb 16, 2024.

  1. Feb 16, 2024 at 11:33 AM
    #1
    13silvertrail

    13silvertrail [OP] New Member

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    None - yet
    Last week I unfortunately dented my front bumper by hitting a concrete post. Was able to get the dent out of the bumper and get the paint off, however no the bumper won’t go back into place under the headlight and into the fender. The plastic of the bumper that clips in did get warped, but the problem actually seems to be my fender. It is ever so slightly dented in, and has a very small “dimple”. Regardless of whether I replace the bumper cover or not, I know I must get the fender dent resolved so that everything lines up again. It’s such minimal damage, and I’m hesitant to pay someone for the work. Do you guys think a PDR dent puller from AutoZone would do the trick to resolve the fender issue?
    Attached are photos of the initial damage, the current state of things, and the small dimpling under the headlight. Any advice, recommendations etc are welcome! Thank you in advance!IMG_5775.jpg IMG_5991.jpg

    IMG_5994.jpg
    IMG_5993.jpg
     
  2. Feb 16, 2024 at 11:43 AM
    #2
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    Even with a new bumper, it can still be a problem getting it to clip in flush under the headlight. When I got a new bumper, it never did snap in tight like the original bumper. Several people on the forum have experienced the same issue.

    People have tried Velcro, glue, etc without much luck.
     
    13silvertrail[OP] likes this.
  3. Feb 16, 2024 at 11:45 AM
    #3
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

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    I've seen the PDR guys do wonders, so it wouldn't hurt to try. Whether fixing the dent will allow the bumper cover to sit flush, hard to say. As @4runningMan says above, these don't always stay flush, even without dinging the bumper. My passenger side has a bit of an issue, and it's never been hit...

    Sorry about your dent.
     
    Last edited: Feb 16, 2024
    2ndGen22re and 13silvertrail[OP] like this.
  4. Feb 16, 2024 at 11:52 AM
    #4
    Borracho Loco

    Borracho Loco My 4Runner identifies as a Prius!

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    Oooh look, another mod.....
    I would leave it alone for now. The way you drive, your bound to get into another accident and the bumper will need to get fixed yet again.
     
    Trail Runnah and CalcityRenegade like this.
  5. Feb 16, 2024 at 11:57 AM
    #5
    CalcityRenegade

    CalcityRenegade New Member

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    Remove the fender line, apply some light heat with a heat gun and see you can push the fender back into place.
     
  6. Feb 16, 2024 at 12:29 PM
    #6
    Dillusion

    Dillusion Resident A**h***

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    Its a 2013 dings and dents are going to happen in 10 years.

    Doesn't look that bad I'd just leave it.
     
    Tama1968 and Trail Runnah like this.
  7. Feb 16, 2024 at 12:47 PM
    #7
    4R777

    4R777 New Member

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    That bottom part would pop out easy. Just take it off and flip it upside down. Pour some hot water on the inside to soften the plastic. Hair dryer or heat gun also works well. Then put on some gloves and use your hands to gently pop it back out. There will be a few cracks in the paint but it will look normal again.
     
    Last edited: Feb 16, 2024
    Photon_Chaser likes this.
  8. Feb 17, 2024 at 3:53 AM
    #8
    Whaler94

    Whaler94 New Member

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    Deformations to the frt cover can be removed by applying light heat to the area - this is an injection molded part - it has memory and will try to go back to its original shape. Apply pressure to sheet metal from back side and work the dent out. You may newed to remove h/lamp.
     

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