Stress Cracks?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 276
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis IN
Stress Cracks?
I'm looking at an '04 that seems to be in great shape, obviously garaged. But, on the p/s lower front nose there are what appears to be several small stress cracks. They're pretty small but noticeable in the sunlight and are contained within an area about 8" long. There is no other sign of impact or paint damage, so I don't know what would cause this. Do you guys have any idea? Is this unusual or common? And, is it a big deal? Thanks in advance for your comments. 
Pro
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 734
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From: Mt. Airy MD
I have them as well around my license plate area. I assumed the PO pushed the nose against something at some pt, but there is nothing other than the cracks to support my theory. (i.e. no paint missing, chips etc)
Le Mans Master
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From: Chester County Pennsylvania
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I have an '04 and have not noticed anything like this on the body anywhere.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
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They're usually caused by an impact. What you are seeing is the clear coat cracking due to the flexing of the body panel. But, I'm just speculating since you don't have a posted pic. I have some cracking in one area of the rocker panel from when I went over a curb and slightly damaged it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
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They're usually caused by an impact. What you are seeing is the clear coat cracking due to the flexing of the body panel. But, I'm just speculating since you don't have a posted pic. I have some cracking in one area of the rocker panel from when I went over a curb and slightly damaged it.
Usually happens on Urethane bumpers.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 720
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From: Walnut Creek CA
I'm guessing that the previous owner had some sort of minor impact that wasn't a big enough deal for them to get things fixed up. It's only a big deal if you decide to go get it fixed. A respray on the front end is likely to run you $1,500-$3,000 depending on what all you have them do and how good the shop is.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Rochester Hills MI
sounds like spider web cracks. they usually go all the way down through the primer, so look forward to getting it painted. it probably needs it anyways. you will have a nice new front bumper without a million stone chips. 
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Melting Slicks
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From: Madison, WI
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Can you snap a hi-res few pics and post it please? Would like to just be more educated on these please. Thanks
I'm looking at an '04 that seems to be in great shape, obviously garaged. But, on the p/s lower front nose there are what appears to be several small stress cracks. They're pretty small but noticeable in the sunlight and are contained within an area about 8" long. There is no other sign of impact or paint damage, so I don't know what would cause this. Do you guys have any idea? Is this unusual or common? And, is it a big deal? Thanks in advance for your comments.
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I agree it may have been just a very minor impact that caused the cracking. Worst case scenario is a repaint of the bumper. Anyway, good luck with your purchasing decision.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria Ca.
I've got one on the rear bumper,passenger side.
Conditions have to be just right to even see it-I had the car for over a year before the sun hit it at just the right angle for me to notice it-that was a year and a half ago,and it hasn't gotten any worse,so I don't worry about it
Conditions have to be just right to even see it-I had the car for over a year before the sun hit it at just the right angle for me to notice it-that was a year and a half ago,and it hasn't gotten any worse,so I don't worry about it
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 276
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis IN
OK... got the car up in the air today and can see a repair that was made to a crack in the the underside of the bumper. Carfax says it was reported as contact with a fence. Repair seems solid and professionally done. There is no sign of paint scuff so I figure the owner either figured it wasn't bad enough to spend money on repainting, or the paint/clearcoat cracked after the fact. Based on all of your comments, thank you very much, it doesn't seem to be that big a deal. I got a quote to have it redone for $500 by a private shop I know well, so at some point I will pursue it. Thanks again!
Saw some tranny fluid while up in the air, though, so posting for help on that on a new thread.
Saw some tranny fluid while up in the air, though, so posting for help on that on a new thread.
