Replacing bumper/hood

[jonnythan]

I rear-ended someone at a slow speed under heavy braking a year or two ago. There is some minor damage to the hood and front bumper. There was no damage to the other car.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to replace these items. There's a Certifit about 2.5 hours away that has the bumper and hood for about $100 total. How much could I generally expect to pay to have these parts painted at Maaco or similar? Obviously getting the parts home would be a minor concern. I do have a small trailer I could probably use though.

Would I be better off trying to find a color-matched bumper and hood at a salvage yard? None local to me have any, but it seems at least 2 within an hour's drive have them in stock.

I think I also need a radiator support.

I took some pics of the damage and put them here:
http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/jonnythan/Bumper%20damage/

Any additional comments and suggestions are welcome.

[jonnythan]

Anyone?

[Nighthawk243]

For stuff like a hood and bumper, expect about 200-400 for both to be done.

Don't go to Maaco... they're very hit or miss. If you do, make sure you do the prep work first... they don't do much prep.

[jonnythan]

Well, I figure if I buy an aftermarket bumper and hood, primed, there's no prep work to do. How much could they mess that up?

I have a line on a shop that appears to have both used for about $250 total so I think I'll try that out first.

[Nighthawk243]

Well... you want to do prep work reguardless. A number of the bumpers and hoods are not pre-prepped unless they state they are.

[Blackhawk]

Unless your Certi-Fit is different than mine, the bumpers do not come prepared at all, the mold lines are still there and it needs work before painting. Also, be prepared to lose the arrowhead emblem off the front, barely any aftermarket bumpers have them. The shop with used parts is the better deal, they will fit better than the aftermarket parts, which are made by taking an original piece, making a mold of it, and making the new parts with that mold. They will not fit perfectly, I am learning this the hard way.

[Nighthawk243]

As far as the missing arrowhead, he could probably get a vinyl one somewhere.

[tenspeed]

Originally posted by jonnythan
Would I be better off trying to find a color-matched bumper and hood at a salvage yard? None local to me have any, but it seems at least 2 within an hour's drive have them in stock.

If you pick it up, a bumper cover should cost around $75-$100. I would guess a stock hood would be the same.

I would definately take the two hour drive and have factory OEM parts and paint.

[jonnythan]

Great. Thanks for the info.

[ga5speed02]

the only problem with going to the junk yard is 1. finding one in your color, 2. it could be in worse shape than yours is now reguardless of color

[jonnythan]

Paid $250 for a color matched bumper and hood that are in good condition. I'll pick them up tomorrow :)

[tenspeed]

Bring your socket set and install the new hood at the junkyard. Leave the old hood for their scrap pile.

The bumper cover should fit on the passenger seat with the back reclined.

[jonnythan]

Well unfortunately I have a passenger and a bunch of gear with me since I'm going rafting and camping.

I do however have a smallish trailer that I use for my motorcycle. It should work nicely to tow the bumper to the place we're staying.

Thanks again for the help guys. This site is awesome.

[jonnythan]

I went to the salvage yard on Saturday to pick up the hood and bumper.

Good news: bumper was excellent, and they included the bumper support/headlamp plate assembly along with a couple of fog lamps (one of mine leaks).

Bad news: the lip of the hood was bent down 90 degrees about an inch back. The steel showing underneath didn't have any signs of rust so it was obvious it happened while they were taking it off or moving it. I was extra annoyed because, on a super hot muggy day, I removed my old hood when we arrived, intending to put the new one on, so I wasted about 35 minutes and a bucket of sweat.

I'm waiting for them to call me back to give me my money back. Plus I have to find another matching hood :|

[ga5speed02]

hot humid days @ junk yard = :teh: suck


the sun beating off all the glass and mirrors makes it almost unbearable