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Chips, Scratches, and Fixing It All

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by BigManSmallPrius, Aug 27, 2015.

  1. BigManSmallPrius

    BigManSmallPrius Junior Member

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    2007 Prius
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    Hey All -

    My wife’s car has accumulated a few dings last winter thanks to a small street without good parking clearance and general terrible Boston winter wear and tear. We’ve moved to a place with a driveway now and I’d love to get this taken care of before winter to avoid risking any further damage.
    • All of the dings are fairly decent, with paint splintering/chipping
    • only one tiny dent (about ¼ the size of an eraser head)
    • and there’s a piece of black plastic/rubber that rungs along the bottom of the bumper that I’d like to reconnect, it’s more of an eye sore than anything.
    Is this stuff I could handle myself with one of the car care guides? Or is it better left to a body shop? I’d appreciate any / all help.

    IMG_20150827_080347.jpg IMG_20150827_080354.jpg IMG_20150827_080358.jpg IMG_20150827_080409.jpg
     
  2. Lucifer

    Lucifer Senior Member

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    Get a few estimates, from reliable shops, then decide if you want a professional job or just a touch up$$
    Each spot should be 400$, but the bumper may be problematic.
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    see what kind of tips you can google. give it a shot if you're unto it. if you're unhappy with the result, you can always go to a body shoppe. all the best!(y)
     
  4. WFBowen

    WFBowen Junior Member

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    I've been doing bodywork for many decades. The filling and sanding isn't that hard - just remember to use a sanding block to keep the surface level and use a filler made for flexible bumpers. Your main problem will be painting the bumper cover which requires not only matching the factory color/clearcoat, but trying to duplicate the metallic paint pattern - if that part isn't the same, the result will look like a slightly different shade from the rest of the car. As mentioned, give it a try - the worst that can happen is you take it to a shop to either re-do or spray the final coats on (although lots of shops don't like finishing a project someone else started.) Also, when spraying metallics, the small spraycans are almost useless, since you'll need to refinish the entire cover.
    Good luck,
    Bill
     
  5. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    Was going to mention some color matched spray can kits I saw from an online autobody parts supplier, but WFBowen's post makes sense.

    I say just live with the damage because:
    1) its a bumper cover: not made of metal, so no rust is possible.
    2) future bumper cover damage is likely from: shopping cart(s), street parking damage, and/or hit-and-run damage.
    3) eye sore is relative; I have seen far worse.
    4) possible someone may hit you and be responsible for repair (hopefully no injuries to you).

    Maybe just get the oversize Band-Aid stickers that people place on their cars where some damage has occurred. These band-aids will cover the right rear corner completely.

    Find a used rear bumper cover, same color, in better shape than yours and install it yourself. Could be way cheaper than getting the current damage repainted, color matched, and clear coated.
     
  6. kinglew

    kinglew Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Body shop
     
  7. WFBowen

    WFBowen Junior Member

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    Since you live in a large metro area, another alternative is to live with your current nicks and keep your eyes open for someone parting out a silver car with front/side damage. If you can source a good, used original rear bumper cover off of the car you'll have (possibly) a part with little or no damage and already painted by the factory to match your car - assuming your's hasn't had a repaint. Then you can Craigslist your old one for a few $.