ejs

Guys, I've searched for info on bumper repair but could not find any details on my situation.
I have a couple of damages on my rear bumper. Just this morning I was rear ended by a Lexus GX470. Very light damage, but it still sucks. I also have a couple of long deep scratches were you can see the plastic.
Basically, I have been searching around for bumper repair and found a couple of mobile Bumper repair companies.
They promise to get the bumper to looking new. They don't take the bumper out and they come to you for the service. They also match paint the bumper. They stated the the job should take only a couple of hours and the price range is from around $250-400.
I have included a couple of pictures.

I would like to get feedback and info from anyone who has experience with this type of bumper repair. thanks....

Buellwinkle

Check my website on bumper repair. A little spray can magic...

W Cole

I don't know how particular you are about your car but in my expierience those bumper repair shops never get the bumper back to 100% (niether do most body shops).

I had this done on the lower portion of my front bumper and from varying angles in the sun you could easily see where the repair was made. And I could never get the clearcoat in the surrounding area to regain its lustre.

I'm assuming since he rear ended you its going to be on his dime - Why not take it to a professional bodyshop and get the bumper resprayed?

ejs

Buellwinkle,
Thanks for the info, you did a great job on your front bumper. I just don't think I have the time to do a job like that, plus I would probably just mess it up. thanks

ejs

W Cole,
Thanks for your feedback. I had a feeling that it was going to be too good to be true. I will check take it to a local body shop in the morning. thanks.

ejs

W Cole,
Thanks for your feedback. I had a feeling that it was going to be too good to be true. I will check take it to a local body shop in the morning. thanks.

ejs

Guys, Just got home and checked the bumper damage again.
It looks bad. I thought it was just the scratches but the whole bumper seems loose. I can easily push the bumper in and there is at least a half inch play. I just have a feeling that it's not normal for a bumper to do that (without damage). The bumper seems to be intact. It also seems to be aligned all around. There might be internal damage.
I will have a body shop check it out tomorrow.

Does anybody know of any reputable Body shop around the Santa Monica, CA area? Preferrably a shop that deals with German cars. thanks..

W Cole

FYI: I just went out and checked my rear bumper and it has surprisingly little give or play. From your description I'd say theres something wrong with the bumper itself (not just the cover).

Sorry I can't recommend a good body shop, I've had some bad expieriences including Fletcher Jones in Newport Beach. My entire car was repainted after it was vandalized with acid. The orange peel is different on each panel and the blending into the door jams looks horrible not to mention the bubbling under the door handles or the fact that they decided to leave off every fastener/accessory that they didn't deem neccessary for the car to run.. thank god its a lease.

ejs

W Cole,
Thanks for checking your bumper. I am also surprised that yours has a little play. I guess that is normal. I was expecting the bumpers to be solid with no play. I will just have to look around for a body shop tomorrow. thanks again

MiKeSSw203

I know how you feel. My car got hit 2 weeks ago. I was parked and getting out of the car when it was hit by an old lady in her 96 Ford Escort. I ended up getting $520 from her insurance. I will probably touch it up with one of the pens and use something to blend it in. Still a bummer since it still won't be the same and I know where the imperfections are.

Buellwinkle

A good body shop will charge you $500-600 to repaint the bumper, assuming it's not damaged. Worth a shot doing it yourself. In reality, you can just get a black permanent marker and color the scratch and after a while you'll forget it's even there.

artkitt99

I was involved in a four car collision back in june, I got two scratches on my rear bumper, the damage wasn't so bad that I told the guy that hit me not to worry about it and I left the scene. Two days later Allstate insurance called me and said they could take care of my damage, without having me call my insurance and file a claim, I said ok, fix my bumper. They sent me to a shop to get the estimate and I couldn't believe it, $406.65 for two scratches.. as of today I'm still waiting for my bumper to get fix.
I'm sure the other party's insurance can fix your damages..

Buellwinkle

Those bodyshops that do work for insurance companies have special rates worked out. I bet if you came off the street without an insurance company referral it would have been $600.

ejs

mikessw203,
It really sucks. It does not matter how much you take care of your car and how much you are careful. S*** happens and you can't control it. Oh well, good luck with the touch up. I might end up doing the same.

TruTaing

ah, there is that magical 600 number again.... ;D

ejs

You're right on the mark. I went to 2 body shops in the Santa Monica area and got 2 estimates ($680 and $750). I might just use a touch up paint to cover it up.

In regards to the bumper play, can you push your bumper in about half inch back? I just could not believe that the bumper has this much play. The Body shops said that this was normal. We checked on an E55 that was on their lot and it did the same thing. "W Cole" stated that his bumper has some play. But probably not as much as mine. I'm thinking that there is something wrong internally with the bumper. thanks..

drexappeal

Remember, all OEM bumpers are normally made of poly urethane (which is a plastic). If it were not a bit pliable and just "stiff" with no give and a harder composite, it would be very difficult to maneuver when parts need to be replaced and/or also when fitting the bumper onto the front/rear of the car. The important parts that need to be firm (i.e. crash bar) are behind the exterior body parts.