964 Front Bumper: What's the problem here?

[mastersdom]

Does anybody have any idea why this bumper is distorted? Was the undertray adjustable?

[f1nn]

it's ttted something surely?

[sim16v]

The black mesh behind it is supposed to be fastened to the horizontal bars, giving the bars a bit of strength.

The bars are a bit too flimsy and are a nightmare for popping off and looking like that.

[mastersdom]

So you don't think it has been in some sort of bang at the front? Also what might those rubber things be dangling down underneath? I had this car inspected and nothing was mentioned about the bumper.

[KTF]

You can see on the black trim where it has been driven into a kerb one too many times. The previous owner probably didnt know/care unless they got down on to their knees.

The red bumper part probably doesnt have a 'memory' so wont pop back out after impact.

[carl_w]

I'm missing this. Surely the outer part of the bumper can't expand, and there can't be coincidentally enough mesh behind it to fill the gap? Seems like the middle bit has been compressed somehow, IMHO -- which makes the scrapes on the outer a red herring.

[Pesty]

They all do that sir.

Easy fix iirc.

[Pesty]

Edit if you are thinking of buying it

1) get it inspected (edit just read you had it inspected)
2) join rennlist
3) at least ask about it on Porsche section on here


I wasn't joking it's very common and not always an indication that it's been smacked in itself. Doesn't rule it out either but it's quite common.

I've heard it called the 964 smile. The two marks above the bumper are interesting though. Nothing serious but anyway is a 20 plus year old car expect some minor defects. (Price dependant obviously)

Edited by Pesty on Thursday 2nd January 22:11

[carinaman]

Could there be a horizontal ledge, bracket or bolt affixing the bottom of the license plate? The gouges at the top could indicate that a license plate has been pushed back with the lower edge being pushed back and pushing the horizontal 'bar' downwards?

[KTF]

carl_w said:

I'm missing this. Surely the outer part of the bumper can't expand, and there can't be coincidentally enough mesh behind it to fill the gap? Seems like the middle bit has been compressed somehow, IMHO -- which makes the scrapes on the outer a red herring.

Its been compressed by driving into something.

There is a mark/scrape on 3/4 of the black trim that is visible and a gap in between the two black panels under the licence plate due to the damage.

Classic signs of driving in to a kerb, parking stop, whatever, with a car that rides slightly lower than normal.

[Pesty]

KTF said:

Classic signs of driving in to a kerb, parking stop, whatever, with a car that rides slightly lower than normal.

Yes could minor parking ding rather than full on crash.its extremely common and not something worth worrying about too much. But you may as well ask them to sort it if it's at a dealers.

Edited by Pesty on Thursday 2nd January 22:19

[Zingari]

It has driven over a kerb (more than once) and this has bent up the rear fixing plate holding on the front (PU) bumper. Easy fix. Take off the PU and bent back down the mounting plate. This should then straighten out the front.

Here you go:

http://web.archive.org/web/20100525102215/http://w...

[mastersdom]

Big thanks everyone. I now feel confident it is something minor that can be fixed. Thank you for all the replies.

[Pesty]

mastersdom said:

Big thanks everyone. I now feel confident it is something minor that can be fixed. Thank you for all the replies.

Are you thinking if buying it?

[mastersdom]

Pesty said:

Are you thinking if buying it?

Yes, definitely. I paid for a couple of inspections and am just waiting for one more to come in before I decide on one.

[Pesty]

Nice

I'm sure you have done your research. Have you joined rennlist yet? A very informative site for 964. Also plenty of people on here in the Porsche section.

[mastersdom]

Pesty said:

Nice

I'm sure you have done your research. Have you joined rennlist yet? A very informative site for 964. Also plenty of people on here in the Porsche section.

Thanks Pesty I will be sure to join Rennlist. I had one a long time ago and have missed it ever since.