Need suggestions on straightening a w123 euro bumper.
 

I posted this on the Diesel forum :

So I took my bumper to get straightened this afternoon at lunch. They quoted me around $600. So. I went to Lowes and bought some 2x4 and C clamps and current have it all straightened in the clamps and said 2x4. It looks spot on straight (using the other side for comparison)

Now do I leave this on for a few days or do I need to counter bend? Could I put the 2x4 supported bumper in between 2 brick and stand on it (weigh 250lb) with a stoud friend or two to help? Remeber this this is only sheet metal thick.

do you know any good body shops?you will need some kind of extra bend over and beyond straight but it's going to be a guess without experience.

Bending steel is not like bending wood. Once you have it back to shape you don't have to leave any clamps on it. But I do agree that you will have to bend it back a little past straight to get it to the correct straightness. Keep in mind that the strength of the bumper is now compromised because it was bent.

$600? You're better off buying another Euro bumper. I passed on a $15 Euro rear W126 bumper for same reason, it was bent.

I know where some W123 Euro bumpers are at currently, but I bet shipping would just be insane.

Its sheet metal? I dont think its meant to stand up to alot. Plus the rebar is still straight!

it is heavier than body metal and a different alloy i think. it should be a little springy i suspect. i would think a little tricky to bend back.

hope it works for you.

tom w

try an automotive chroming shop
 

When I was rear ended in my 73 280SEL. I wanted to keep the bumpers as I thought they would be somewhat hard to come by. A friend suggested an automotive chroming shop so I called one.

The guy told me that he's been in the business for more then 20 years and has never come across a bumper he could not straighten and quoted me around $250-300 to straighten it and then re chrome it.

I eventually found a set for around $70 at the local pick and pull.