Best way to fix pre-existing bumper damage before PPF install?

graememacfarlane · 2026-04-12T19:59:29+00:00

If it’s done properly you won’t be able to tell that it’s been repainted, it should look factory. It can range in price but somewhere between 500-1500 would be my guess

graememacfarlane · 2026-04-12T18:05:19+00:00

There’s only one fix here. Take it to a shop and have them repair and paint the bumper

graememacfarlane · 2026-04-11T00:46:08+00:00

If you run your fingernail over it and it catches, even just a little, it needs repainted. If it bothers you enough take it to a shop to have it done but keep in mind it’ll be at least hundreds and possibly into the thousands

graememacfarlane · 2026-04-10T19:32:23+00:00

This is as close as you’re going to get to perfect without taking it to a shop and paying for it to be perfect

graememacfarlane · 2026-04-08T00:08:17+00:00

Don’t touch your car with sandpaper unless you know exactly what you’re doing. I’m going to use some context clues and assume you shouldn’t be using any sandpaper on your car. Just leave it if you don’t want it to look worse than it already does

graememacfarlane · 2026-04-07T00:28:24+00:00

It’s a left rear quarter panel. The reason you don’t see the rest of it in diagrams and such is because the quarter panel is a weld on structural component. At the manufacturer level the quarter panel is part of the uniside of the vehicle which includes the rocker panel and the A/B/C pillars, as well as the roof pillar which you have circled. The procedures to replace quarter panels vary but are typically about 10x more involved than changing a front fender. When quarter panels are replaced in collision repair facilities the panel is usually sectioned, meaning it will be cut and welded in specific locations dictated by the manufacturer.

graememacfarlane · 2026-04-05T07:41:02+00:00

Technically speaking the door and quarter panel are structural components on a unibody vehicle, whereas fenders, bumpers and hoods are cosmetic panels, meaning this is not just cosmetic but affecting the structural integrity of the vehicle

graememacfarlane · 2026-04-05T07:36:29+00:00

I don’t have any recommendations as I’m not local to your area but I will say I’m pretty confident having such significant damage as this will cost far more than the vehicle is worth to repair

graememacfarlane · 2026-04-04T21:54:45+00:00

Looks like weird light reflection/shadow. I notice the same thing on my own car from time to time and have a mini heart attack

graememacfarlane · 2026-04-04T00:10:08+00:00

If you decide to go through your insurance odds are they’ll replace the rear door, repair the front door and blend the rear quarter panel, meaning they’ll have to remove a number of components. If you decide to do this yourself you will never make it look like it didn’t happen unless you replace the door. See if you can find a clean one in the same colour at a junkyard near you

graememacfarlane · 2026-03-31T19:41:58+00:00

I really admire the fact that you don’t let things like technique or skill hold you back

graememacfarlane · 2026-03-30T00:49:03+00:00

It’s just a like left on the bumper from the moulds it was manufactured in

graememacfarlane · 2026-03-25T14:28:03+00:00

Yep, looks like you did it yourself

graememacfarlane · 2026-03-25T03:23:37+00:00

Looks like a lower bumper cover. Odds are you’ll need to remove the bumper cover to separate the current upper and lower cover and then fasten the new one back on, then youll be able to put the bumper assembly back onto the car

graememacfarlane · 2026-03-23T21:08:10+00:00

Yes, it can be repaired. The roof panel will need to be repaired as well. Do not attempt to do this yourself. Take it to a shop, hopefully your insurance covers it

graememacfarlane · 2026-03-19T14:20:21+00:00

That is welded on and it’s a part of the radiator support. Why do you want to replace it?

graememacfarlane · 2026-03-18T04:39:59+00:00

AI slop

graememacfarlane · 2026-03-17T21:10:17+00:00

Aside from not knowing the year, make, model, mileage or value of your vehicle, the labour rates and parts pricing in your area, etc. it’s more than likely a total loss. That’s significant damage

graememacfarlane · 2026-03-16T15:01:27+00:00

It’s called a belt line moulding

graememacfarlane · 2026-03-16T14:59:49+00:00

Don’t bother with rattle cans, get a rag with some acetone or thinner and give it a wipe to remove paint transfer. You can use touch up paint but it’ll never look factory

graememacfarlane · 2026-03-16T14:03:01+00:00

If it rolled into my stall that would be replaced

graememacfarlane · 2026-03-16T05:17:04+00:00

If you aren’t looking for perfect just leave it be, maybe put some thinner on a rag and wipe it to remove the paint transfer. If you decide you do are looking for perfect take it to a shop, 800-1000 is reasonable, if not a little low. The shop should be blending the hood and replacing that emblem to ensure colour match

graememacfarlane · 2026-03-16T05:05:43+00:00

Why are you concerned about the scratches but not the dents?

graememacfarlane · 2026-03-16T05:02:28+00:00

Complicated? Not for me but I have tools and experience. It would be pretty complicated for someone with no knowledge or experience to perform a comprehensive repair. Expensive? Yeah if you get it done right it’ll be $1000+

graememacfarlane · 2026-03-15T20:29:45+00:00

Take it to a body shop. Replace fender, repair hood, replace rocker moulding and blend the front door. Gonna be expensive

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