Replacing front passenger facia

Tiny
CMZANNN
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 NISSAN ALTIMA
  • 2.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 188,000 MILES
Hello, I hit a sign metal stem with yellow diamond/ten disk reflectors smaller than a stop sign {California} at approximately 65 MPH. Area of front facia passenger side bent metal stem of sign [the size is identical ranch metal fence post barbed wire} to a 90 degree with ground damage in curred pass head light/ facia. Amazing to me, no wheel or tire damage. Structurally when I removed old facia noticing upon replacing headlight that minimal resistance. Top of headlight nice, other 2 mounting positions are a 1/16 off. 2 in off. Also replaced hood latch, does not secure second position because behind iron crash bar. I have some slight metal deform where impact occurred. My question is, I have map gas torch totally capable of heating metal can you all help me by instructing me how to heat and bring metal the couple in/forward so I can get headlight finished and mount new facia and allow hood to latch?
Thursday, December 24th, 2020 AT 6:17 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Just to be sure I understand what you are looking to do, you want to heat the metal and bend it back into shape from a 90 degree angle? If so, this is most likely not going to work. More then likely the metal has already creased and once you bend it back it will break or crack even if you heat it.

However, if you want to try this, then you need to remove it from the vehicle and do this away from anything that would catch on fire. If you try to heat it to the point of it glowing you will most likely catch the vehicle or wiring on fire then you will have a big mess.

So once it is removed from the vehicle you want to heat the bumper on the inside part of the bend. Meaning the side of the damage that is closer to the middle of the vehicle and not the outside. Apply the heat until the metal is glowing and then start applying pressure to the fascia to bend it back. Then start moving the heat towards the outer end so that the glowing part includes the bend. As you apply pressure and it heats up it will get easy to move. Then keep the heat moving towards the end as you straighten the piece.

Let us know if you have questions and maybe get a picture of this piece so that we can see it and that will help with other ideas. Thanks
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Friday, December 25th, 2020 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
CMZANNN
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  • 84 POSTS
Thanks for getting back to me. Today is Tuesday 29th. I will take pictures on and send to you on Wednesday 12/30.
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 4:44 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Sounds great. Thanks for the update. Seeing it will help.
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 4:57 PM
Tiny
CMZANNN
  • MEMBER
  • 84 POSTS
It does not require a 90 degree bend it just needs to be pulled straight out 1 maybe 2 inches.
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Thursday, January 14th, 2021 AT 8:38 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. So it is straight and if it just needs to be pulled straight out then you can do that a couple ways. If it is bare metal, so grind it down, you can rent a stud welder and a slide hammer and that will get it out quickly.

However, are you able to get those pictures and then will surely give us some more ideas on what you need to do. Thanks
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Friday, January 15th, 2021 AT 6:10 PM

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