Front End Damage after Deer Strike - Is this a DIY Fix?

[HWMTB]

I had a bit of bad luck last night and struck a deer at about 40 MPH. Thankfully, the damage is all cosmetic. Mechanics appear to be OK; the louvers in front of the radiator are operating normally and there are no liquids leaking. And all the sensors seem to be working too. Headlamp enclosure might be an issue (broken mounts) but I'll deal with that later.

What do y'all think about the damage to the plastics? The part circled in red is my main concern. Does anyone know what that part might be called? Is that simply the "bumper"? LOL It appears to be separate plastic piece and not connected to to the ends (under the headlamps).

I saw some videos online of folks changing out the grill which looks easy enough. Thought perhaps this bumper part might be something I'm able to fix myself. Any one have any thoughts?

(Yes, I know the left portion of the bumper toward quarter panel under the headlamp is separated BUT I think I can get that to snap back in place. )

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[Intercontinental_Ranger]

The picture makes the damage look pretty superficial.

I’m cheap, would probably try to weld it since I’m not worried about trade in value.

https://www.wikihow.com/Weld-Plastic

 

[superj]

when you pull the grill out of that broken piece, the grill mounting tabs across the bottom will almost 100% break. i would snap that broken piece so i could pull the grill and get the tabs out without breaking them so you don't have to buy a replacement grill, also

 

[HWMTB]

The picture makes the damage look pretty superficial.

I’m cheap, would probably try to weld it since I’m not worried about trade in value.

https://www.wikihow.com/Weld-Plastic

Awesome! Thanks for the Wikihow article. I was thinking some kind of glue but the plastic weld option might be the solution! Yup, its cracked plastic (no pieces are missing). Thanks for the reply.

 

[Jason B]

Looks like this part:
n1wz17d957edptm - Ford Bumper | Levittown Ford Parts
Don't know what's involved, but you should be able to DIY.

 

[HWMTB]

when you pull the grill out of that broken piece, the grill mounting tabs across the bottom will almost 100% break. i would snap that broken piece so i could pull the grill and get the tabs out without breaking them so you don't have to buy a replacement grill, also

Ah! Good point. So, sacrifice the already broken bumper plastic to save the grill. Thank you for that.

 

[HWMTB]

Looks like this part:
n1wz17d957edptm - Ford Bumper | Levittown Ford Parts
Don't know what's involved, but you should be able to DIY.

Thanks! I was poking around the Ford part sites earlier and saw something similar. Hopefully Ford can help narrow down the parts. Do you know if they are come painted? If this can be a DIY, I'll document it. But I'm waiting for warmer weather.

 

[superj]

if you look at my raptor grill install thread, there should be pics to show where the tabs go into that broken piece so you know where to watch out. i think that if you get a 1" wide paint scraper, you can pop those tabs without breaking them but i came to that conclusion after i already broke two so i just gave a quick yank and snapped the other 3 or 4.

i am going to test that saturday because my father-in-law bought the raptor grill, also, and we are putting it on

 

[HWMTB]

if you look at my raptor grill install thread, there should be pics to show where the tabs go into that broken piece so you know where to watch out. i think that if you get a 1" wide paint scraper, you can pop those tabs without breaking them but i came to that conclusion after i already broke two so i just gave a quick yank and snapped the other 3 or 4.

i am going to test that saturday because my father-in-law bought the raptor grill, also, and we are putting it on

Thank you! I'll look up your thread. Good luck with your project. If I decide to try DIY repairs, it won't be until mid spring so I can work without freezing. hahaha

 

[superj]

if you need close up pics, let me know. my grill is in the garage so i can get any pics you want. i would give you my grill but its got those tabs missing from the bottom so i don't think it will move but its not 100% complete

 

[daytoncarter]

Have a look at this kit: Ranger 2024-2026 Air Design® Ranger Front Bumper Cover | Accessories | Ford.com

I would seriously consider it if you wanted a quick fix that'd look good. It'd cover all the damage.

 

[embedded rock]

With my former Frontier, I hit a deer. Since I was on the brakes before we collided, only the grill and right headlight were broke. I got my own parts for the repair.

 

[fordgt]

Did you at least score some venison?

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