Someone bumped into my car a couple weeks ago. There wasn't any damage since the bumper is plastic, but the paint got scuffed up pretty good. Luckily the guy left a note, I talked to him and he said he'd rather just pay for it then deal with insurance.




Here are a few more pictures
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aireq/2790240177/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aireq/2791086950/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aireq/2791084746/


So how much should something like this cost to fix on average. This is LA so you'll see a wide range of vehicles on the street from barely running beaters, to super exotic, so I can only imagine the quality of body shops vary just as much.

Also I'm searching other posts in the forum now for a good shop to go to, but if anyone has any recommendations for a shop around downtown LA let me know.


Eric

 

ok here's another try with the pic.

 

is there any actual damage to the bumper (i.e. dent, deep scratch)? it's hard to tell from pictures, but that white scrape might just come off nicely with some ScratchX action. if there's no dent, piercing, or deep scratch, then ScratchX might just be enough to make it good as new... that way, you can just pocket the cash from the guy reimbursing you for the damage.

jelly

 

I'll have to check .. .does that ScratchX stuff work?

Eric

 

Dude, I backed into someone with more scuff damage than that and it buffed out beautifully! I use 3M Perfect-It ll Rubbing Compound Fine Cut with a elec buffer. Took maybe 30-45 minutes but well worth my time as any shop would have charged 2 hours labor or more. I wish I would have taken before pics

 

wow ur posts give me hope i have similar damage to my rear bumper in almost the exact same area.
would that be something that would be removed with getting my car detailed

 

If you end up trying some of that Scratch-X/3M stuff, make sure to post up some pics afterwards...(but you knew that I'm sure)

 

+1 on Scratch X, either that or any rubbing compound followed by a nice wax should make it better. if you run your fingers over it, do the grooves feel like they go downward? or does it feel like its just a rough spot?

 

yes, McGuires ScratchX or 3M compound do work great. just get a soft cloth, put on a generous amount of the goo on the damaged area, and rub it firmly (you can use a buffer if you know what you're doing, but I recommend doing by hand first). as long as there's no scrape into the paint itself, the stuff will work like magic without doing any damage to your paint. if you take it to the bodyshop, they'll charge you $300 for the same thing. good luck.

 

as some one mentioned above, if its not down to the bumper/plastic you should be able to buff that right out. Hard to tell from the pictures though. I just noticed you were in Washington or i'd tell you to bring it by the house and i'd be happy to buff it out for you......

good luck

edit - noticed you're looking for a place in LA. my offer stands if you want to bring it by but I'm in Northern Orange County in Anaheim Hills.