amfp

What did body shop charge for respray of front bumper ?

Also, who difficult and how much time does it take to remove and install the front bumper ? Thanks.

Ruairidh

Not wanting to HiJack the thread - what are the issues with Polar Silver?

mike cap

Mo,

Removing the front bumper cover is not difficult. Probably an hour to get it off. Robim's site has a good DIY.

Installation is more time consuming. Installing the fender beading, replacing hardware, etc. There are more parts than you think that may need to be replaced. Foam seals behind the cover, definitely replace the two ballast resistors, beading..... Not difficult but time consuming.

GrantG

The issue with Polar Silver is that it is exceptionally beautiful

A good paint shop can match it just fine!

Bob D.

Thanks much everybody. I am extremely heartened by these reponses. I will take the plunge and have the respray done, and I don't think I would have been able to do that without the great input and info I got here.

All the posts were super helpful, and I especially appreciated hearing Ron's idea of offering to let the shop keep time on the project and get paid by the hour, and Mike's excellent point about the importance of post-painting work.

And wow--the idea of a respray gets a thumbs-up from Laurier! Since his car looks cleaner than most surgical suites, I think his standards can be relied on.

Thanks again folks.

Bob D.

I like to update threads, in case someone else has the same question or concern down the road. So here are the results....

Finally got my car back yesterday, and the re-sprayed bumper cover is undetectable! To my eyes at least, it is identical in shade, texture, sheen, etc.-- just a fantastic improvement over the old chipped-up cover. The shop did spend a lot of time to ensure the exact color match, but again, a happy ending and well worth the dollars.

ScottMellor

Sheesh. I have had my front cover re-sprayed twice due to rock acne! As long as the shop is top notch, it looks great.

akolodesh

I was told by a shop that they would blend in the paint above the bumper. Would you not recommend blending in to existing paint? Is it even necassary if the hood is in good condition?

Bob D.

Don't blend! NOT necessary! Mine was painted while off the car and still looks perfect.

GrantG

Mine didn't need blending either. I think since there's a natural break in the panels at the bumper cover that blending is unneccessary...

akolodesh

Bob and Grant - thanks for the responses. I will tell them to stick to the bumper.