Front Bumper Smashed...help

Not from LA, so i can't help you there... however, for body work you should probably talk to your dealer first. There are precautions that need to be taken to ensure the computers and batteries aren't damaged during the body work (welding produces a lot of heat that can funnel in an burn things out), and a random shop may not know of them, and inadvertantly cause you more problems.

Good luck, it's always sad to hear about a hurt Prius, but at least you weren't in the car or hurt too.

 

BAD LUCK... Creeps *NEVER* leave notes.

I believe you will find that the damaged part is the "bumper cover" made of a "styrofoam-like" material with a smooth, painted surface. These are designed to absorb the impact to a point. If you remove the "towing-eye" cover (small round plug on the driver's side), you can see the inner construction. Most likely it will need to be replaced and repainted - and will look like new with a good paint job.

The advice above to go to the Dealer for his recommendation and work is the best way to go.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Charles Suitt @ Sep 28 2006, 03:40 PM) [snapback]325194[/snapback]</div>

Actually the bumper cover is made from plastic. The styrofoam you see is part of the actual bumper. Take a look at the pictures of my bumper cover.

You will have to scroll down a bit to see the pictures.
http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=2...&hl=spoiler

 

Bistagne Brothers in Glendale did some excellent work on my Miata about ten years ago, but I haven't lived in SoCal for years, so things might have changed.

I can tell you that Bistagne Bros. is an LA institution, and has been family operated for I think two or three generations now. Location was near the 134 freeway, if memory serves correctly.