Chrome bumpers made a quick exit from the automotive scene in the late '80s. In their place are elaborate, but flimsy, plastic covers hiding stamped-steel impact beams with a wide swath of Styrofoam ...

It is deceptively easy, but usually very expensive, to junk plastic car parts when they are damaged in crashes. Zip off that damaged bumper bar, side mirror or headlamp and bolt on a fresh one.

A simple, budget-friendly method to pop out small dents in plastic bumpers using tools you already have at home.