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THe Disappearing Dent!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by the artist, Jun 8, 2007.

  1. the artist

    the artist New Member

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    After being less than 24hrs old, my nieghbor backed into my Prius bumper!! Ouch! But, while we
    went into her house I came out and 99% of the dent vanished!! Yes, there still is a minor scuff and
    a crease...but, was wondering if anyone has had simular problems that found out there was severe
    damage that wasn't visable to the naked eye? ....Should we let her go? Thanks!
    THE ARTIST :blink:
     
    #1 the artist, Jun 8, 2007
  2. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    Welcome to PriusChat, Artist.

    I've never heard of anything like that. Please provide pictures if you can and give more information about where the dent was located, etc.

    I wish more of my dings would simply vanish.
    Then again, your neighbor doesn't happen to be a hypnotist, does she?
     
    #2 TonyPSchaefer, Jun 8, 2007
  3. PriusBoyAZ

    PriusBoyAZ New Member

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    I believe the '07 Prius has sheet metal w/ memory -- I saw it on Discovery tonight.

    LOL :p
     
    #3 PriusBoyAZ, Jun 8, 2007
  4. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    The "bumpers" you see are plastic bumper covers. There is foam underneath, and steel under that (the real bumper). Have the car inspected to ensure the foam is not damaged. If it is it will have to be replaced. It would probably cost a few hours of labor plus the cost of the foam piece. You may also want to get the bumper cover re-painted, or at least the scuff marks worked out. That's at least a few more hours of labor. The plastic probably popped back out on its' own, but there may be a cavity in the foam under it.

    Even a light bump is expensive on modern cars!
     
    #4 David Beale, Jun 8, 2007
  5. mywhitenoise

    mywhitenoise New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Jun 8 2007, 03:16 PM) [snapback]458258[/snapback]</div>
    If that's the case, I'd save your money. A small dent in the foam isn't going to ruin the structural integrity of the car. Better to save your cash, and time, for a real accident, hope that never happens.
     
    #5 mywhitenoise, Jun 8, 2007
  6. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mywhitenoise @ Jun 8 2007, 06:04 PM) [snapback]458338[/snapback]</div>
    Agreed. Consider it a custom contour.
     
    #6 JimN, Jun 8, 2007
  7. Orf

    Orf New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimN @ Jun 8 2007, 07:32 PM) [snapback]458378[/snapback]</div>
    Oh, "customer contour", I like that expression. :lol:
     
    #7 Orf, Jun 12, 2007
  8. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    The Prius has "8 mph" bumpers and should return to their previous state if they're lightly bumped (8mph or less). However, it usually takes 24 hours. I'm surprised it "popped" back that quickly.
     
    #8 Tideland Prius, Jun 12, 2007
  9. slair

    slair Ubër Senior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Jun 8 2007, 04:16 PM) [snapback]458258[/snapback]</div>
    which from the dealer is $1,000,000 exactly.
    I'm considering buying priuses and harvesting them for their foam, like elephants for their tusks. :lol:
     
    #9 slair, Jun 12, 2007
  10. subarutoo

    subarutoo New Member

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    By all means, let her go. You can't keep your neighbor hostage forever. As long as the dent went away, let your neighbor go too.
     
    #10 subarutoo, Jun 12, 2007
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