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Cracked front "fender" - options and costs

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by ctmurray, Feb 21, 2010.

  1. ctmurray

    ctmurray Member

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2006
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    I just saw that my front right side panel "fender" is cracked on my 2010 Prius (7 mo old). This runs from the right front tire up toward the headlamp. Completely cracked through. Probably an roadsicle dropped by another car in a parking lot that I ran over. I did not hear anything outstanding but did drive over one pulling into a parking lot recently. I have carefully avoided curbs and the like.

    Anyone know how much this might cost to repair? I assume the part is replaceable. Is Toyota the only place to go for this or would a third party body shop be able to do this?

    Thanks for any advice
     
    #1 ctmurray, Feb 21, 2010
  2. namasteflc

    namasteflc New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Georgetown Md
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    If you can live with a cracked fender, 3M makes a marine adhesive called 5200, that will stick to most surfaces. Get the fast curing type(24 hours), unless you can let the cat sit for the 7 day curing time for the standard adhesive. I used this to repair the front skirt on my old car and it held up well. Layer the adhesive about 1/4" thick on the back side of the crack after cleaning the area with alcohol. The adhesive comes in white or black; try not to let the adhesive work through to the 'good side' of the fender. You may be able to clean off fresh adhesive with kerosene.
     
    #2 namasteflc, Feb 21, 2010
  3. mgb4tim

    mgb4tim Noob

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    Location:
    Pittsburgh, PA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Use a mesh in the adhesive to add strength. These is a product called Fuzor taht the ricer boys use to adhere panels to their cars, a 2-part tube-gun system with different cure rates, It can be sanded when cured.
     
    #3 mgb4tim, Feb 21, 2010
  4. eaglesight333

    eaglesight333 Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Northern, IL
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I also have a small crack, but mine is less noticeable. Probably caused by the same issue of an ice chunk. I took mine to my body shop, and he said that he could repair it, but he likes to do things right and recommended a replacement of the piece.

    The body shop guy has always done a good job for me, and always seemed to treat me fairly. So, I dont think he was feeding me a line. Long story short, it woud cost me $700 for a new front bumper piece, with painting, labor and such.
     
    #4 eaglesight333, Feb 21, 2010
  5. ctmurray

    ctmurray Member

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2006
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Thanks to all who have replied. I will look into the marine adhesive and see if I can get a quote on replacement. I would like to have my new car back.

    Mabye I can blame it on Toyota for a low speed crash ;-)
     
    #5 ctmurray, Feb 21, 2010
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