Was in a car accident... Hit from behind.

[invertalon]

Sadly, Friday my car was hit at a traffic light (their fault)... The damage was not really as bad as it felt, with having a small "imprint" of the damage on the rear bumper cover. Deciding if I should even have it repaired (sanded, bonded, repainted, etc...) I am worried though that the "repair" might actually look worse then it does now, especially if the paint doesn't match exactly, quality of the repaint, etc... Its a plastic panel, so it won't rust or anything, just have to decide what to do. It is hard to notice unless the light is hitting it correctly. From looking at the pic, leave it alone or is it worth the "risk" for repair?



Another pic, somewhat close to same angle. Can barley see anything.





What really upsetting is, it was the same day I installed my new rims

[john m.]

Re: Was in a car accident... Hit from behind.

not sure what you can do here yourself as it appears to have just put in two dents? is that correct? Also, if it is their fault and you have any repairs done they should have to pay for it...maybe others will chime in with some other suggestions

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Was in a car accident... Hit from behind.

It won't matter what other people say as to how noticeable it is, the real question is how much does it bother you? Will your eyes be drawn to those imperfections everytime you walk around your vehicle? If so, then maybe you should have it repaired. Your other option is to make the paint on your finish pop so much that no one will notice the bumper cover.

[Carfire]

Re: Was in a car accident... Hit from behind.


You could get the dent wizard.
Sorry to hear the bad news.
Glad to hear you are okay.

[akimel]

Re: Was in a car accident... Hit from behind.

I've had the dentless repair guy work on my car twice over the past year. He's done a great job both times--definitely an option to explore.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Was in a car accident... Hit from behind.

Since your paint does not appear cracked. See what a dentless repair guy could do.

[3Fitty]

Re: Was in a car accident... Hit from behind.

Sell the car, it's damaged goods now!*












Just kidding, go with the dent repair, might look as good as new.

[TKDDAD]

Re: Was in a car accident... Hit from behind.

Been there, done that...so glad you're not injured....had this baby paid for and two months later, totalled...over $14k in damage...

so, it could have been worse...always think that...I think I'd try the dent repair option...I've had it done once and you couldn't tell...

[invertalon]

Re: Was in a car accident... Hit from behind.

Went to dentless repair places and since it is a plastic covering, the only thing they could do is sand and repaint it. Same when I called the dealer. If it was on a metal panel they could pop them out, but since it isn't, has to be sanded and refinished.

I don't know how much it does bother me at this point... I think it "hurts" most because the damage is so "new" and once it wears off it wont be a big deal. On the other hand, I just don't know. I plan to definitely make the paint pop when I do my spring detail in the next few weeks.. Clay, Swirl X/Ultimate Compound, #7 Pure Polish, M21... Should look bangin!

I just figured some of you would of had more experience with the results when they refinish a panel of the car. I would have it done at the dealer, in which they did inform me that they do have a lifetime warranty on the work they do. So maybe tomorrow I will stop for estimate and investigate a bit further, but I still don't know if it is worth it for me, just yet.

[john m.]

Re: Was in a car accident... Hit from behind.

So since they hit you...and others correct me if im wrong, but if you went the route of just getting that panel replaced and if you dont like it keep bugging them til it is done the way you want...wouldnt the person who hit you have to pay? If im correct in this assumption i say go this way, even if it doesnt bother you that much and you could live with it you should do it anyways haha

[invertalon]

Re: Was in a car accident... Hit from behind.

Went to my dealerships collision center (DCR) for an estimate. Extremely nice inside and looks brand new. They estimated $512 for the damage. They guarantee the work for as long as I own the car from anything. Said they would need to add bond and sand and repaint. I asked how close they could get and they told me they use computer analysis and tinting to match it exactly and I should not notice any difference between panels.

So I contacted the kid who kit me and told him the news. He is calling me back later with what he plans to do to pay for it.

[john m.]

Re: Was in a car accident... Hit from behind.

Awesome that sounds great! Keep us posted on how it turns out

[Nappers]

Re: Was in a car accident... Hit from behind.

Keep us posted, not a bad estimate for that repair.

The technology they have to match paint is great, now the worse part is surface preparation and mixing of paint correctly, that's what's up these days.....

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Was in a car accident... Hit from behind.

Sounds like the repair process by the dealerships is the way to go...

Another option... are there any bumper stickers you've always wanted to put on your car?

"I'd rather be fishing"

[Megafast13]

Re: Was in a car accident... Hit from behind.

Sounds like the repair process by the dealerships is the way to go...

Another option... are there any bumper stickers you've always wanted to put on your car?

"I'd rather be fishing"

Yuck, I hate bumper stickers lol. I think they ruin a car

Yeah the Paint Mixing and Orange Peel Comparison is the thing these days that is bad about the repairs.