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      01-28-2016, 05:33 PM   #1
scottyn
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front bumper scratches

Sadly, someone clipped my car about a month ago and left some scratches on the corner of the front bumper that go all the way through the paint. Luckily, there's no dent. But I just got estimates from three shops - one of them told me he would leave the bumper on and quoted me about $350 while the other two said they would remove it and quoted me $650-750 (and said it would take an extra 1-3 days). so the first question for you guys is this: does the bumper need to be removed from the car to get a quality repair?

but then the other half of my conundrum...there's also several rock chips on the bumper, and it got bent when I bottomed out one day - being that it's plastic it went back to the usual shape but the paint has lifted off the panel in two small spots. The shop that quoted me $750 said they would repaint underneath there as well - while this is a nice thought, I know I will bottom out again. But I'm also contemplating replacing the entire bumper and getting my front end wrapped in a clear bra, which leads me to my next question: how much would an entirely new front bumper cost? and would that be worth the extra $?

Thanks in advance.
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      01-28-2016, 06:00 PM   #2
overcoil
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My rear bumper; three parts totaled $708.55 (473.34 for unpainted fascia, $160.75 for grey insert, $34.34 for mounting hardware)

To have the original bumper painted (mineral white) and small hole patched, plus a new bumper painted - work done off car -totaled $1.606.63.

I suggest have the repair done off car and your quoted fees sound correct.
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      01-28-2016, 09:23 PM   #3
scottyn
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottSinger View Post
My rear bumper; three parts totaled $708.55 (473.34 for unpainted fascia, $160.75 for grey insert, $34.34 for mounting hardware)

To have the original bumper painted (mineral white) and small hole patched, plus a new bumper painted - work done off car -totaled $1.606.63.

I suggest have the repair done off car and your quoted fees sound correct.
Thanks for the advice, but I'm a little confused what cost you $1600. You both had the original bumper repaired and bought/painted a new one? And does that $1600 include the $708 spent on parts?
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      01-28-2016, 09:40 PM   #4
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Yes, you really should have the bumper removed. They can do a MUCH better job that way.

If you buy a new bumper you may save on some of the labor cost quoted to you for the repair, since painting the new part is faster than repairing and painting the old part.

But, either way, a quality repair facility should make the end result indistinguishable.
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      01-28-2016, 09:54 PM   #5
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I have had the bumper painted on the car before. They did an excellent job. Since it is just scratches I see no reason to spend the extra money. Remember it is just plastic not metal.

Last edited by DanG; 01-29-2016 at 10:28 AM..
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      01-28-2016, 10:29 PM   #6
overcoil
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scottyn View Post
Thanks for the advice, but I'm a little confused what cost you $1600. You both had the original bumper repaired and bought/painted a new one? And does that $1600 include the $708 spent on parts?
Sorry, let me try to be clearer.

$1600 was labor and paint for both bumpers - ( painting new bumper and painting repairing old bumper )

Then there was the $700 for the bumper that I bought at the dealership parts department.

Total was $2300.

I do believe the old bumper was completely repainted, not just repaired and partially painted and blended.
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      01-30-2016, 08:36 AM   #7
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Why repaint off of car. Better overall job, should look like new....wont be good/undectable as if done on car. If you're likely to bottom again then a clear bra is a waste of time....you'd need to replace film and repaint. Remember clear bra shouldn't be applied to new paint and it is more likely to damage the new/non-factory paint if removed.
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      01-30-2016, 09:19 AM   #8
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In cases where bumper was hit bumper should come off to inspect for any damage.
I could be wrong, but I though with the aid of computer paint matching, ideally panel should come off to sand down entire panel completely then repaint clear coat and then you have no instances of tape or blending.
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      01-30-2016, 11:04 AM   #9
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Thanks for the responses everyone. I've decided to go with one of the shops that will remove it. Now I just have to figure out when I can give them my car for 3 days to work on it...
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