Need Help! Someone hit the front of my car! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

nabeel24 · 09-24-2011, 06:24 PM

Hey guys, have a problem. While I was working at my Hotel workplace, someone hit my front bumper of my 2011 Camry and the alarm didn't go off.....

I really don't wanna lose the originality of the car, since it is only 1 year old.

So the question's I now have are:

1) Is this fixable or should I just buy a painted bumper off Ebay for $300? (Only thing the bumper is not going to be original anymore)
2) How much would it roughly cost to fix this, compared to buying a new bumper?

If anyone In Southern Los Angeles knows a reputable shop in Los Angeles/Chatsworth, it would be extremely nice. Thanks for the help guys. Really want to get this fixed immediately. Sorry for bad pictures, taken from my iphone.

LE05 · 09-24-2011, 10:52 PM

it is very difficult to repair plastic bumpers, most body shops don't even try. it's much easier to replace it than try to repair. they can try to pop it back out, but 90% of the time it doesn't go back into it's original shape.

stay clear of painted ebay bumpers, so far my experiences have not been good. fitment, quality of the paint, and shipment damage are usual issues that i've experienced. you'll be much happier with a new OEM bumper and having a body shop paint it.

nabeel24 · 09-24-2011, 11:26 PM

You know any website that sells OEM bumpers for a good price? And any idea how much painting those go for at body shops?

fatngs · 09-24-2011, 11:43 PM

theres various sites that sell oem bumpers.... i just check toyota parts east and they have it for $210 + shipping....... or you can go after market but make sure you get CAPA certified; i just picked up a bumper for my 06 for a little over $100

you may want to also pull off the bumper and see if theres any internal damage to other parts

far as paint im not quite sure, but ive been quoted around $150-250 at maaco but i doubt i'll go there..... you can always shop around different body shops tho

SimplyACruiser · 09-24-2011, 11:55 PM

Same thing happened to me. Person didn't even leave a note.

Had a friend who did body work use a blowtorch to soften it up and used a suction cup to pop it back out.

nabeel24 · 09-25-2011, 12:31 AM

When you blowtorch and pop it out, don't they need to repaint it?

molson.david · 09-25-2011, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Had a friend who did body work use a blowtorch to soften it up and used a suction cup to pop it back out.

+100
look for paintless dent repair shop. check Craigslist too, automotive services section.

Quote:

When you blowtorch and pop it out, don't they need to repaint it?

your paint still new and flexible. in most cases you will not see much damage. tiny cracks only.

John1960 · 09-25-2011, 07:24 AM

Point your car into the sun, get a heat gun or a hair dryer and try popping the dent out from the back if possible. Don't overheat any one spot. The paint will flex with the bumper. Bumpers are painted with flex additive so the paint is forgiving with things like this. You can use a plunger (regular household toilet plunger) to pull it out if you can't get at it from the back. Wet the plunger with soapy water if it won't hold or conform to the dent.

Lastly, don't be surprised if the dent shows back up when the temperature drops. You need to get it out soon and form it into shape with the heat. I would always prefer solar convection and time over intense heat with a heat gun unless you are a pro.

Glenn8963 · 09-25-2011, 08:26 AM

well only you know your insurance deductible, not us. but i would take it to the insurance company for an estimate. but as for repairs, i'd have it done at the dealership. correct parts, and color match. then too you really do not know of any other damage inside. right now, i would suspect the bumper insert would have to be replaced as well. yeah, it may cost you some out of pocket money, but at the very least it'll be factory repaired. you do not want to lose value on any trade in or private sale in years to come.

nabeel24 · 09-26-2011, 10:59 PM

So went to a very reputable Body Shop. They gave us a quote for $800. They're going to replace the whole bumper by ordering a new Toyota one, and repaint that and all. Seems like a pretty good deal. What do you guys think?

Glenn8963 · 09-27-2011, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nabeel24

So went to a very reputable Body Shop. They gave us a quote for $800. They're going to replace the whole bumper by ordering a new Toyota one, and repaint that and all. Seems like a pretty good deal. What do you guys think?

i am thinking that they are possibly including that piece of bumper filling, as well as some other small parts. maybe to me the price seems right, but others may disagree. as long as the shop has a good reputation as you say, also ask if they have any warranty for the work they do.

my question if you do not mind my asking is, did you get a price from the dealer as well..??

in any event, good luck, enjoy your new car when it gets repaired.

Mosh603 · 09-27-2011, 01:51 PM

You could probably pop it back out. Heat it up and use a suction cup or plunger. If is really stuck you can gently use a slide hammer to pull it out. If the plastic is severely scuffed or damaged, just replace the bumper.

burnout8488 · 09-27-2011, 07:20 PM

Why would you just leave it that and not even TRY to pop it back out? It's plastic! The members above have given great advice on using heat, sun, hairdryers, etc. Give those ideas a shot before you pay someone to give you a completely new bumper that you may not even need.

It might look 99% once you pop it back out, it doesn't look like your paint was affected at all. Just get on the ground and try, stick your arm up there and push.