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Hi! So I clipped a large piece of road debris on the freeway causing damage on the side of my front bumper. I'd really like some insight on whether or not I should repair the damage. And if I do repair it, how much would it cost roughly? Would the entire bumper have to be repainted? Thank you!
1) have a shop repair it and blend it in (not paint the entire bumper unless your insurance can cover it with no deductible.....). The cost of repainting the bumper is around 300-400, not worth it for such a minor scratch.
2) get that side piece kit that slaps right onto those areas. That'll cost you less than repainting the whole bumper.
P.S. The guy above beat me to it! That's the kit i meant!
Hey everyone. Thanks for the input! Just an update: I just got an estimate at a body shop and they said it'd cost around $850 because the car is new and they'd have to remove the entire bumper and all that jazz. D; Now I'm considering fixing it as best I can myself by cleaning it up a bit and filling in the scratch with putty.
since its a dark metallic paint, you can probably get away with a nice two stage touch up paint.
paint-clear-water sand-buff. Its very easy. I did the same thing on my mercedes (dark grey) and it matched pretty good.
Tell that body shop to shove it! You can get a brand new painted bumper from Sewell for that price.
Originally Posted by mistaradio
Hey everyone. Thanks for the input! Just an update: I just got an estimate at a body shop and they said it'd cost around $850 because the car is new and they'd have to remove the entire bumper and all that jazz. D; Now I'm considering fixing it as best I can myself by cleaning it up a bit and filling in the scratch with putty.
since its a dark metallic paint, you can probably get away with a nice two stage touch up paint.
paint-clear-water sand-buff. Its very easy. I did the same thing on my mercedes (dark grey) and it matched pretty good.
I hope that's the case! I've already got touch up paint so hopefully I don't screw up when I try to repair it.
I don't think it is easy as everyone makes it but I do like the DIY mantra. I ran over a brick down my street and luckily dodged a bullet with no damage to the bumper but always remember, AVOIDANCE is the KEY TO SUCCESS so keep your eyes peeled to the road!! Goes to me first then to all!
Oh, it's definitely not going to be an easy task, especially since I've never attempted any kind of minor body repair on a car. Haha wow. I wouldn't have been able to run over the road debris I clipped. But yes. Lesson further learned. Going to be extra vigilant from now on. Thanks.
You should ask Zack McGovern who posts in the detailing section of the CL forum what he suggests to minimize it. He is a professional detailer, unfortunately he's not located in California, but he is extremely helpful in providing members assistance. I would ask Zack what he thinks how it could be buffed out to minimize it.
07-31-14, 07:26 PM
Need Some Advice!
I'd really like some insight on whether or not I should repair the damage. And if I do repair it, how much would it cost roughly? Would the entire bumper have to be repainted? Thank you! 
