Polyurethane Front Lower Valance Memory?
 

I smacked a raccoon with my 944 which pushed in the polyurethane valance which caused it to deform, push inwards. I removed the mounting bolts on the valance to reduce the strain but the valance is still deformed. If I recall polyurethane is a thermoset resin which cannot be reheated and reshaped but I also remember most polymers have a memory which will allow the internal stresses to relax.

My question is if I let the valance relax in a non stressed state will the inward dent relax to its normal, pre-collision shape?

The dent in the poly valance is severe enough that I can't get the dent out by re-bolting to the body. I can massage the dent from the backside though.

This isn't a 944 topic as much as it is a polymer topic so I think it qualifies for OT. :)

Speedy:)

Then you need to massage it from the inside while applying heat from the outside. It may be thermoset, but it will soften with heat.

I massaged it for about an hour tonight and it looks about 50% better. I might be able to get it acceptable if I work on it a little longer.

Speedy:)

After you get it pretty darn warm (heat gun warm), move it around until it's where it needs to be, then quench it with a cold wet rag. This "sets" it in that position. If you don't it tends to wander a bit while it cools on its own.

If you have it hot enough you are going to need something wood (e.g. a wooden bat) to get that last little bit of movement and hold it while you quench it. It will be decidedly too hot to hold by hand and you'll leave finger marks holding it even with gloves.

angela

That's what she said!

Yup, they love heat and massage !

I fixed a neighbor's boxster bumper a few years ago with a combo of a heat gun and pressure.