Ford Mustang Bumper Covers

Repair and Maintenance Tips for Ford Mustang Bumper Cover

Regular washing of the Ford Mustang bumper cover can help keep it in good shape, but it is not enough. Aside from dirt, bumper covers are also vulnerable to damage and wear that even a car wash can fix.

In this guide, we'll share some helpful tips on how to repair and maintain the bumper covers in your Ford Mustang:

• Deal with scratches accordingly.

Scratches are arguably the most common type of damage in bumper covers, and how you will fix them will depend largely on the extent of the damage. Minor scuffs and scratches can usually be removed via rubbing/buffing compound and swirl mark remover. Both the rubbing compound and swirl remover are widely available in both auto parts and hardware stores, although you can also find them online at often discounted prices. However, if the scratch covers a large area or if the abovementioned technique doesn't work, you will have to sand the repaint the bumper cover. Particularly deep cuts and grooves will also require filling with filling putty.

• Fix dents with hot water.

Dent can literally leave a bad impression on your tuck's bumper cover, but if the damage is not that extensive you can try popping it back into place with a teapot of hot water. Simply pour the water on the dent and, while it is still warm, reach from the inside through the wheel well and pop it out. You can also use the plunger if you have trouble reaching the dent. Once it is back to its original shape, pour cold water on the area so it cools down and hardens. You can also use the same technique with a hair dryer, although it will take longer for the plastic to heat up.

• Remove bug stains and tar using penetrating oil.

Bug stains and tar are sticky and can be hard to remove with conventional washing techniques. However, both can be cleaned up using penetrating oil. Spray the oil on the affected area, let it sit for several minutes, and wipe clean with a clean rag. You can also use a commercial bug and tar remover, although we found penetrating oil to be less harmful to the paint and surface of the bumper cover.

• The bumper cover is more than just a decorative panel that gives your vehicle its unique appeal. It is a critical safety component that keeps you and your passengers safe from injury in case of a road accident.

• Common signs of a bad bumper cover include corrosion damage, dents and cracks, and collision damage.

• Failing to replace a damaged bumper cover can seriously compromise the safety of a vehicle in a subsequent crash.

• The cost of a Ford Mustang bumper cover will vary depending on your vehicle’s year and generation. OE replacement bumper covers will typically cost you anywhere between $150 to $1,400. 

The Ford Mustang holds its place in history as America’s beloved pony car. This model fueled the obsession with sporty coupes that featured long hoods and short rear decks from the mid-60s through the 70s.

With over 10 million units of this model produced in the U.S., demand for its parts continues to grow. One of the components that may need to be replaced over time is the Ford Mustang bumper cover.

The bumper cover is more than just a decorative panel that gives your vehicle its unique appeal. It is a critical safety component that keeps you and your passengers safe from injury in case of a road accident. If you notice one or more of these signs, it may be time to have your bumper cover replaced.

 

Rust buildup hidden underneath the Mustang bumper cover can quickly spread to other components. This jeopardizes the structural integrity of the bumper kit and makes your vehicle unsafe to drive. Addressing corrosion damage early and replacing rusted parts will help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

 

Due to its location at the front of your vehicle, the Ford Mustang front bumper cover is more prone to damage than other parts. It can easily get scratched in fender benders and parking accidents. It is also meant to take a beating as it protects the undercarriage of the vehicle from road debris such as rocks, branches, and ice. Left unfixed, these cracks and deep scratches can reduce your vehicle’s resale value.

 

There are times when the damage to the bumper cover is invisible to the eye. What may seem like a perfectly Ford Mustang rear bumper cover could have damaged internal components that compromise the crashworthiness of your vehicle. It is highly recommended to have your vehicle checked by a licensed mechanic anytime it is involved in a road accident where the bumper is hit.

 

The bumper cover is a vehicle’s first line of defense in a collision. It is typically made of a thermoplastic that is designed to crumple upon impact. This motion absorbs kinetic energy and directs it away from the cabin, minimizing the possibility of serious injury or death. Failing to replace a damaged bumper cover can seriously compromise the safety of a vehicle in a subsequent crash.

 

The cost of a Ford Mustang bumper cover will vary depending on your vehicle’s year and generation. OE replacement bumper covers will typically cost you anywhere between $150 to $ 1,400. Bumper covers are sold individually, in sets of two (front and rear), or as part of a kit. To find the right bumper cover for your Mustang, simply plug in your vehicle’s year into our website’s search bar to browse through our vast collection of compatible parts.

Whether you're replacing a broken bumper cover or you're switching to a custom one, installing a new bumper cover on the Ford Mustang requires precision and care. In this guide, we'll list down some important tips you need to follow when installing Ford Mustang bumper covers.

Tip #1: Prep the bumper cover for installation.

Bumper covers usually come out of the packaging pre-primed, coated with dust, and with bumps on the surface left over by the molding process. Wash your new bumper with a sponge soaked in warm water and detergent, and wet sand the surface to get rid of any bumps and rough spots. If you plan on painting the bumper covers yourself, we recommend doing it at this stage as it will save you time and materials masking the bumper once it's on your Mustang.

Tip #2: Be careful around the crash sensors.

Crash sensors are devices strategically mounted on the bumper area that triggers the air bags, so make sure not to touch or otherwise handle these sensors unless absolutely necessary. These sensors are often painted black, rectangular in shape, and have a single insulated bundle of wires running behind its back.

Tip #3: Tape the foam absorber.

A layer of absorbent foam sits in between the bumper cover and the steel bumper core, which often falls off and is difficult to reposition back into place once the old bumper cover is removed. To prevent this, tape the bumper temporarily over the bumper assembly and remove it once you are ready to mount the new cover.

Tip #4: Measure twice, bolt once.

Pre-fitting the bumper cover over the bumper assembly is essential in ensuring a perfect fit. With the old bumper cover removed, lift the new bumper cover at both ends — have someone to help you with this — and line it up with the bumper structure. The mounting holes should line up exactly with the ones in the cover. If you will be drilling additional holes, mark it using a felt pen. Only when you are fully satisfied with the fit should you start the actual mounting of the cover on the car

Tip #5: Check the wiring.

If your new bumper will also house fog lights, auxiliary lights, and other electronic devices, make sure that the wires are connected properly. Refer to the manual that came with these devices and with the car itself for the proper wiring instructions.