What Would YOU Do: Dented Bumper

i'd go with the low cost repair, but i don't know the cons.

 

i guess the only consideration is how difficult to repair the plastic bumper. maybe someone else knows, but if the shoppe is reputable and will guarantee the work?

 

$600. isn't a bad price for a new bumper cover, painted and installed either. but again, i'm not sure of aftermarket quality.

 

If the $425.00 is a reputible shop I would go with it.

 

I'd try heating up that bumper and seeing if it pops out.

Hey, it works on youtube.

Otherwise? I'd look up reviews for both body shops and pick the one that is highest rated with the most positive reviews.

Either approach is NOT good if not done well.

You also could visit a few other shops just for a free estimate and to get a larger consensus of opinion.

 

DIY: Toyota Prius Bumper Dent Fix with a Hair Dryer - Video

 

That's what I was thinking.

I've heard it actually works. Never really witnessed it in person.

Some people use a heat gun...little stronger than a hair dryer.

I just want someone to try it and report back.
Selfish curiosity.

 

If there are no flaws on your car, other than the bumper now, I would not repair it myself. Spend the $425 and get it repaired properly. The OEM will always be better than the aftermarket bumper.

If you DIY the repair, you'll have a car that's going to show the damage.......and when it's time to sell it, the buyer will knock it's value by at least $425. So why not just pay for it now?

 

I've owned 2 body shops and have restored mostly classic/collectible cars for the last 40 years. Your best solution is this: Experiment with the hair dryer/heat gun method or just leave the cover as-is. Since you live in L.A. (the center of the universe for Prius sales and wrecking yards) actively look for an excellent used bumper cover with original (Spectra Blue?) factory paint. Then just swap the covers yourself. You might even find something on Ebay, but seeing it first-hand is preferable.
While I watched the various heatgun solutions, it's my experience that the bumper material (or sheet metal in other examples) will always stretch when heavily impacted - which will leave you with a something less than perfect result. Also, the major cost in repairing a bumper cover is the final paint which is not that easy to duplicate (you can use a blending lacquer on the adjacent panels, but this will oxidize at a different rate down the road.) Whatever you do, i.e. repair the cover or purchase a new replacement and have it finished at a shop, you will not do better than an OEM part with its original factory finish.
JMO, Bill.

 

Can't argue with that logic. BUT...that's no fun. How often are we afforded the luxury and excitement of heading towards our vehicles with a glowing heat gun?

I just want to see if it works at all! If he's going to have it repaired or replaced...it's nearly a blank check in the attempt. Assuming he doesn't do a lot MORE damage trying to get it to pop out.

I'd be a little careful...but I'd be sure tempted to try.

 

The site could use a "muzzle" emoticon, I'm so teed off with the current state of useless bumpers, gotta restrain myself.

Anyway, I'd go the cheaper refurb repair route. If for no other reason than to avoid dumping more piece-of-cr@p hydrocarbons in a land fill.

 

Heat and a bit of pressure from behind will pop it out - I did this on a 1998 Grand Marquis back in the day. The bumper was dented severely in the front. Heat, pressure, a bit of rubbing compound and wax to finish the job and I saved quite a bit! The car looked fine when all was said and done. It does not hurt to try a DIY dent removal. The worst that could happen is that you will replace the bumper, right?

 

I can't believe it would take much more effort to drop the entire bumper cover and inspect further damage. But maybe you can already assess this from underneath the car. Granted I wouldn't expect much more damage but while you had the bumper cover off you should easily be able to push the dent out after its sat in the sun for a little while.

 

True but depends on the OP and how comfortable he is with removing the bumper cover.

Personally, I would never go for an aftermarket part. Difficult to fit as the holes do not always line up and the materials are inferior to OEM.

 

I was rear ended 3 times in 8 months. Fortunately, I know of one local auto body shop with also does the work for the local Toyota dealer. (Mine were not hit and runs, the other person's insurance paid for everything, including my deductible).

So I would suggest finding a shop who works with a Toyota dealer; and get a price from them! Then decide who to go to.

If you are handy, I really like the suggestion to find one at a salvage shop and replace it completely, on your own.

 

the heat gun/ hair dryer trick does work. I've done it. but a heat gun can melt the paint and even the bumper itself if your not careful. I would try a hair dryer first because it should soften the plastic without getting hot enough to damage anything. the rear bumper does come off fairly easy if your handy, it's best to have a friend to help, and spread something soft under it so you don't drop it on the street and scratch it. you might be able to just unhook the one side and move out just enough to get a hand inside it to press on it while you heat it up with the hairdryer.

 

If you decide that the bumper needs to be replaced, it would be better to install a used original equipment part (if such a part can be sourced) instead of a new aftermarket part with a dubious fit.

If the bumper cover can be repaired, that would be a reasonable choice. It is hard to say much without seeing some photos of the damaged area.

 

there is a photo in the first post.