Rear bumper damage

[GT Guy]

Someone backed into my rear bumper. Of course no note or omission of guilt. No paint damage, however there is an impression in the shape of part of a license plate frame. Not real noticable but definitely there. I have had 2 estimates for a ballpark figure of $600! Both shops stated the bumper would need to be removed, repaired then repainted. Of course a claim with my insurance would reduce this but I have another idea. I have the bumper protector and got the idea that I could buy another one and mount it vertically and cover the impression which would cover the damage and also offer some additional protection. What's your opinion on this? I see the rear bumper and it really really bugs me.Thanks GT Guy

[Triton]

It would depend on how long, wide or deep the bump is. I don't know about putting the bumper protector across the back. I think that may look a little strange. It just depends on if you want to cover it up that bad or try and let it ride until you want to get the bumper fixed. Sorry to hear this happened to you. I know what you mean about wanting the car to look perfect.

[Pablo1669]

This might be a good catalyst for getting the Sport Package. If the new rear facia would cover it, problem solved. Of course the sport package costs more then just fixing the problem, but if you've always wanted it... covering up that damage would just be a benefit.Also, I just paid 100 bucks to fix small body damage that was "driving me nutz!" so I feel for you.

[kolakp@hotmail.com]

My poor vibe's back bumper looks like hell already, just 6 month's old and 4000 miles, has enough scratches and dings (some my doing, most from "unknown" causes, i.e. kids, shopping carts, etc), I'll blame the less than perfect visibility out the back as the cause of any self-induced harm.The paint on these vehicles just does not tollerate any contact without a nasty looking result. I have not been able to find a product to "buff-out" minor scrtaches...most are deep and require the touch-up paint.I have seen other posts about the sensitivity of the paint...maybe I will put bubble wrap around the whole car to protect it.Sorry about your "hit-and-run", cover it up if you can , protect it with whatever looks good because it will get beat up over time.On a totally different note, hauled a hot water tank in the Vibe last night, guys at the Home Depot never saw a Vibe before, impressed by the style and the "tons of room".My Father's Day card from my daughter had a nice crayon rendition of the Vibe on it with me driving and her in the back (both with big smiles), I should post it if I could figure out how to do that!Peace

[ragingfish]

Even though it sounds like a low speed impact, if it was bad enough to leave an impression in your bumper, make sure to have the dealer check the underlying structure to be sure that no other damage was done. I was rear-ended in a lot once, had the dealer check it, turned out the guy had bent a bumper support or something.Had I been in a rear-end collision without having that repaired, it could've been devastating...

[ragingfish]

quote:They will replace the bumper most likely.... Make sure the styro-foam is not cracked under it either.All depends on the speed at time of impact, as well as height of impact, and where on the bumper it was hit.But yeah, I'd put my money on a new bumper all out. Probably costs less to replace it flat out than pay for labor and parts on a repair job...

[Shadow Realm]

You could take it to your dealer and ask them if who they use to fix minor scratches on their used cars. Where I work we have a guy that comes in and will sand down a bumper repaint it and he only charges about 100-150 bucks.Shadow Realm

[MJN2]

Not sure about the monotone cars but according to the paperwork I have from my bodyshop when they repaired my car...the rear bumper cover (gray textured) cost $386.79 from GM.