I was thinking of taking the rear bumper off to hammer out one big dent in the middle. It's like a vertical crease from where my wife hit something.

Anyone done this themselves before? Is it doable with a hammer and some muscle or do I need other tools?

I'm not sure if all Cherokee bumpers are the same. But, mine are steel, I think. Just painted steel with some kind of rubber ends.

Too bad there's not rubber in the middle too!

 

Go for it. Big hammers have been beatin' up on dents forever. If you put a sand bag under where you're pounding, it'll help smooth it out. Also, steel is much easier to hammer on if it's hot.. Even a propane torch should help it out. It won't do anything for the paint tho.

 

That or pick one out from a jy. If it's a stock bumper, they shouldn't be too expensive used.

 

Just replace it with one from a doner at the boneyard, even new the stockers are cheap.

 

A torch and a 3lb hammer will make quick work of that dent

 

Rock Auto has the rear bumper (minus end caps) for $25.00 right now. Brand new.
J/Y here wants $40.


VARIOUS MFR Part # CH1102167 {#55234618, 55234618AB}
w/o holes for spare tire carrier; w/guard & towing holes; prime; Rear bumper face bar; MID SIZE

Choose:
- Stocked in outlying warehouse--shipping delayed up to 1 business day
$25.79

 

shipping will getcha

 

$26 shipping, but I'm in Wisconsin just a few hours North of where they are.
For $10 difference it didn't make sense to bolt a used piece on. But yeah, it's probably more to ship to different zones.

 

You guys are awesome, Thanks. I should have looked up how much a new one is I guess. I had no idea they'd be so cheap.

(For some strange reason the junk yards here hoard jeep parts and you can't just walk in and get them. We've even been told boldface lies about it, when we can see them sitting in the yard. I think they sell them online, but it's just a guess.)

Hammering the dent out myself sounds way more fun though. Thanks a bunch for the torch/heat idea kjc! I planned on repainting everything later anyway. And, who mentioned the sandbag? kjc too. you rock! Great idea.

 

FWIW the front and rear bumper are the same. Makes it easier finding a decent one at the JY.

 

I did not know that! Thanks for the info.