Mike B. Posted October 23, 2010 Share Posted October 23, 2010 Hi Everybody After a mishap with me reversing into the bike trailer I am now in need of a rear bumper (Central Piece) or a repair. I have contacted original supplier 5 times this week and have got nowhere near purchasing one or anything resembling customer service. I just want to buy a bumper!!! Is it that difficult??? Does anybody know where I can buy a bumper be it new or used or even get a cracked one repaired? The van is a 2005 Fiat Elnagh Marlin Slim 6 and the bumper is silver/grey coloured plastic. Any help would be appreciated Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Kirby Posted October 23, 2010 Share Posted October 23, 2010 You'll need to find out who is the current UK importer for Elnagh vans, give them the details of your van, and see what they say about a spare. However, motorhome spares are, generally, a nightmare and can take months to arrive and then turn out to be wrong! If you know what it is made from, and especially if it is a removable section, it would probably be far cheaper to get it repaired. If it is GRP it would be a DIY job, if ABS or other moulded plastic, you may need a specialist repairer to weld it back together. GRP is easy to identify but some of the other plastics used less so. However, all can be repaired with the right gear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike B. Posted October 23, 2010 Author Share Posted October 23, 2010 Hi Brian Thanks for that-I'm not sure if there is an importer anymore for Elnagh-The original supplier pulled out last year and can't even give me a price for a back light would you believe. I thought there had to be a commitment for after sales spares for xx amount of time by law but it would appear not. However, managed to locate one on Ebay so that bits ok. The section of the bumper is removable so maybe I'll 'google' bumper repairers and see if I can get it repaired. I have no idea if it is plastic, GRP or ABS as I don't know the difference-I only know it's grey!!. In the meantime, as I have got the light when it arrives, I may be able to fashion a temporary repair to the bumper which will hold the light albeit not aesthetically pleasing but legal! Thanks for your advice Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnerontheroad Posted October 23, 2010 Share Posted October 23, 2010 Elnagh are showing several service centers in the UK on their web site http://www.elnagh.com/ENG/Sales_and_Service_Center/default.aspx Good Luck Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted October 23, 2010 Share Posted October 23, 2010 Hi Mike I suspect the Bumper section is ABS, which can be a s*d to repair. If you have problems getting a spare or repair have a look to see if you have a good GRP fabricator locally he may be able to use the ABS to make a mould & produce one in GRP will colour to match. Ask him for the mould as well, so if you do the same again you're set up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJay Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 It appears to be Marquis group that are the distributors in UK Blackpool probably your nearest? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel B Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 Hi Mike B We had to have the bumper on our Rimor Sailer repaired a few years ago, when it got cracked (bricks and yobbos). We had it done by a caravan/motorhome repair place called F&M Caravans in Hull. They did an absolutely first class job too. Not sure where in West Yorkshire you are but if you plan on coming our way, it might be an idea to give them a call. They'll certainly be cheaper than going to a motorhome dealer and I can personally vouche for the quality of their work. http://www.fmcaravans.co.uk/ If you don't want to travel, then do a search for caravan repairers rather than go to motorhome dealers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike B. Posted October 24, 2010 Author Share Posted October 24, 2010 Hi Mel Thanks for that -will give them a call if I'm still struggling tomorrow. I have contacted Marquis by email but not had a reply yet. Thanks to everybody for the advice-will update you asap as to what happens. We're near Wakefiled Mel by the way so not a million miles away from Hull Cheers Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike B. Posted October 28, 2010 Author Share Posted October 28, 2010 Hi Mel Got in contact with them and after sending photos they offered to repair it for £300 inc vat. Also got a quote from original suppliers in Hilton who quoted £396+vat for the centre piece of the bumper, £250+vat to spray it plus delivery!-then fit it myself! I think you can guess if I will be repairing or replacing! ;-) Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike B. Posted October 31, 2010 Author Share Posted October 31, 2010 Hi All The final post on this damn bumper! After the vaious quotes for the work the upshot was over £1000 to replace and repaint the bumper (which I could not afford) I decided to 'bodge' it myself until a)I have the money or b) I prang it again on the trailer. I got a compatable lamp £46 post free from Kent Motorhomes on Ebay (Brilliant product, price, delivery and service incidently) and a roll of gaffer tape. On seeing the bumper after stripping out the old lamp, I kid you not it was as thin as the TOP of an ice cream tub-Unbelievable! How they can warrant £430-£600 for that is beyond comprehension. I made a backing plate from and old number plate, stuck it together with 'No Nails' and Although it's not perfect I feel it is satisfactory in comparison to a grand I can spend on a holiday. Attached are the before and after pics-any comments? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel B Posted October 31, 2010 Share Posted October 31, 2010 Nice job - if you're happy with it that's what matters. :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penda Posted November 14, 2010 Share Posted November 14, 2010 Hi all, We have been in the car bodyshop business for 30 + years and have just bought our first motorhome (damaged), which happens to be a Marlin. The rear bumper appears to be pretty flimsy plastic (probably ABS) this can be plastic welded or solvent glued, then painted with aerosols. If there is anyone out there with a damaged bumper, we may be able to help! If you would prefer to have a stronger bumper, it would be possible to take a mould to make one in fibreglass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arthur Brown Posted November 14, 2010 Share Posted November 14, 2010 Hi I have just repaired my rear bumper with glue followed by glass fibre on the inside to reinforce it. I also put aloy braces at each end. I think this all confirms your view that most are pretty thin and flimsy. I would be interested in an alternative bumper depending upon the cost. However, we seem to be in a guessing game, how do we contact you, where are you in the country? Do you have a web site or e-mail address. Thanks for putting your head above the parapit. Art Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike B. Posted November 17, 2010 Author Share Posted November 17, 2010 Penda - 2010-11-14 7:07 PM Hi all, We have been in the car bodyshop business for 30 + years and have just bought our first motorhome (damaged), which happens to be a Marlin. The rear bumper appears to be pretty flimsy plastic (probably ABS) this can be plastic welded or solvent glued, then painted with aerosols. If there is anyone out there with a damaged bumper, we may be able to help! If you would prefer to have a stronger bumper, it would be possible to take a mould to make one in fibreglass. Hi and welcome to Marlin owners club-you and me so far!!! I think you made a bit of an understatement with the 'flimsy' on the bumper-it's absolute rubbish. Take the back light out and see how thin the plastic is behind it-It's unbelievable the lamp is used to strengthen the bumper! I've always been happy with the van but never realised where they scrimped on the quality-might have a closer look round it all now Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penda Posted November 18, 2010 Share Posted November 18, 2010 Hi Art Sorry to take so long to reply but am new to this.Have now updated my profile to include contact details. One of our sons is using our workshop in Launceston, and he makes fibre glass bumpers, spoilers etc. for customizing cars, so has the equipment to make moulds and therefore can fabricate replacement parts, such as bumpers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arthur Brown Posted November 18, 2010 Share Posted November 18, 2010 Many thanks for that, you are now in my database with the hope I never need you. However, things are never that easy. Thanks again for your details. Art Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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