Can I fix this front bumper (03 camry) by myself?

[total93]

Hi, everyone.

I did some research before posting this question, but I wanted some more inputs. Please let me apologize for posting for some help as my first post. I'm rather freaking out because of my very first accident.

I got into a minor car accident tonight on a ramp, and I managed to crush the front bumper of my father's 03 camry as shown in the next picture.


Although my dad says it's a minor accident that can happen to anyone, I feel extremely bad. I want to try to fix it myself if it's possible, or try to replace it myself to minimize the cost. As you know the economy is really bad and it has hurt our family financially as well, and I want to responsible for my fault instead of burdening my parents more.

Do you think I can fix this myself or replace it myself? If I have to take it to an auto shop, could you give me an estimate for this kind of job?

Thank you so much for your inputs in advance, and I'm so sorry for asking for help.

[glenn14]

Originally Posted by total93

Hi, everyone.

I did some research before posting this question, but I wanted some more inputs. Please let me apologize for posting for some help as my first post. I'm rather freaking out because of my very first accident.

I got into a minor car accident tonight on a ramp, and I managed to crush the front bumper of my father's 03 camry as shown in the next picture.


Although my dad says it's a minor accident that can happen to anyone, I feel extremely bad. I want to try to fix it myself if it's possible, or try to replace it myself to minimize the cost. As you know the economy is really bad and it has hurt our family financially as well, and I want to responsible for my fault instead of burdening my parents more.

Do you think I can fix this myself or replace it myself? If I have to take it to an auto shop, could you give me an estimate for this kind of job?

Thank you so much for your inputs in advance, and I'm so sorry for asking for help.

Don't be sorry for asking for help, that is what we are all here for. I think that you can fix that bumper yourself. I would get/borrow a heat gun, don't put it too close but enough to get the plastic and pull out that bottom valance. Once that is done, I would try to used rubbing compound to get the scratches out and then use some tough up paint for any scratches that you can't get out. If you can't live with the results you can always take it to a bumper scuff repair place. Someone hit my car last week and left 4 number place screw marks in my bumper and I was able to touch them up, wet sand with 1500 grit than 2000 grit sand paper then I buffed them out with some meguires compound then waxed. Here are some pics.
BEFORE

DURING REPAIR

AFTER REPAIR

This took some time but it saved me about 300 dollars....
Glenn

[fatngs]

welcome to TN

i would definately try to fix it up yourself as glenn14 suggested

if you wanted to replace a body shop will charge you well over 1k.... i recently replaced the bumper on my car for less than 1/2 that including bumper, paint, new screws, brackets, fogs, and fender liners..... it was alota hassle but well worth it in the end

[total93]

Originally Posted by glenn14

Don't be sorry for asking for help, that is what we are all here for. I think that you can fix that bumper yourself. I would get/borrow a heat gun, don't put it too close but enough to get the plastic and pull out that bottom valance. Once that is done, I would try to used rubbing compound to get the scratches out and then use some tough up paint for any scratches that you can't get out. If you can't live with the results you can always take it to a bumper scuff repair place. Someone hit my car last week and left 4 number place screw marks in my bumper and I was able to touch them up, wet sand with 1500 grit than 2000 grit sand paper then I buffed them out with some meguires compound then waxed.

Hey, Glenn14,

Thank you for your advice. Your info definitely gives me some relief. I'm definitely look into heat gun method. I'm not expecting some sparkling new bumper. It's a fairly old car, and so the bumper wasn't in a pristine condition to start with. I just want to pop that bumper out and even it out.

Anyways, thank you again.

[total93]

Originally Posted by fatngs

welcome to TN

i would definately try to fix it up yourself as glenn14 suggested

if you wanted to replace a body shop will charge you well over 1k.... i recently replaced the bumper on my car for less than 1/2 that including bumper, paint, new screws, brackets, fogs, and fender liners..... it was alota hassle but well worth it in the end

Hey, Fatngs. Thanks for the advice. I can't believe the body shop will charge me over 1k for this. That will crush me.

I'll definitely have to resort to the heat gun method and try to get it evened out as much as I can. It's a big relief to know that at least this situation is mendable myself.

Thanks again.

[glenn14]

Originally Posted by total93

Hey, Glenn14,

Thank you for your advice. Your info definitely gives me some relief. I'm definitely look into heat gun method. I'm not expecting some sparkling new bumper. It's a fairly old car, and so the bumper wasn't in a pristine condition to start with. I just want to pop that bumper out and even it out.

Anyways, thank you again.

Your welcome,
These bumpers are plastic, I did something similer to you with my old Altima, I unscrewed the plastic cowl underneath the bumper, put on some good work gloves, heated it up with a heat gun amd popped it right out with my hands .once I heated the plastic up. Screwed the bottom cowl/splash guard back to the bumper then used Meguires rubbing compund with my Porter Cable buffer , then waxed and you could hardly tell there was any damage when I was done, and believe me I am no body man by any stretch. With my current damage, I took my time a few days to mask the scratches off, let the paint dry, and started building the paint up to fill in the scratch , then started sanding, until I got the desired results, figuring if I messed up then I could always get it prof. fixed. But I would rather save the 300 I was quoted towards Christmas gifts at this time of year. I am sure with this process you can do a good job and save some dough. Happy holidays and feel free to post pics when your done.
Glenn

[89molavi]

Do what they said, but don't worry much. You seem to be a good "kid", accidents happen, it is a bumper. Be happy you have not killed anybody. Bumpers are for this kind of stuff. Just bang it out, touch up and polish and forget about it. To be honest I think after a month you won't even notice the thing anyway.
Don't spend more than $10-20 on this, esp since you are mentioning that financially your family is in a tight position. Spend the money where it would make a difference.

[xx03Camryxx]

If all else fails, you can always pick up a bumper at your local junkyard.

[total93]

Thanks everyone. I bought some Turtle Wax Rubbing Compound and some wax today, and I'll work on the bumper on Sunday. It's a great relief for me that I can fix this large dent by myself with minimal cost.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR ADVICES. Seriously, it helped me a lot, and I'll make sure to post my "after" photo.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAY!

[glenn14]

Looking forward to your finished pics..Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well !!!!!

Glenn