Unfortunately my C7 met a parking curb and lost. I have attached photos of the damage. I managed to get four quotes from various local body shops. Three said to replace the front bumper entirely. The last one said he could fix the damage. His option is $1233 cheaper. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated on whether or not this type of cheaper fix will last.

 

While not as cheap as repairing the existing front bumper, I'd rather replace for peace of mind not worrying whether the fix would last or be noticeable.

 

This would be the way I'd feel about it too....

 

I damaged mine by running it into my garage door a little bit, but it only created a centimeter scratch, so I left it the way it is, plus I had a clear bra and the bra look most of the damage. Yours on the other hand has paint crack and I think you'll want to replace the whole thing or you'll always thinks it's damaged goods.

 

That's too bad. I feel for u.in my opinion too much damage for a repair.for 1200 difference I would take my lumps and replace the whole bumper. Good news its plug and play assuming an expert paint job. It will be good as new

 

Had my metallic red tintcoat bumper repaired..... looks like new, paint matches perfectly. Chevy body shop did the work - $400.

 

So sorry this happened. A couple of questions/thoughts.....

* It is very difficult to get 'dents' out of this type of 'bumper' material - especially in a tight/compound curve area like this. However, sometimes when pressure can be applied at the right points some of these types of dents will pop back out into close to the original shape. If the material is not cracked (look closely), then it's definitely repairable/paintable if they can get it to pop back out (difficult with this type of material in a tough spot like that. But they may have a lot of experience/the right tools to do it).

* Does the less expensive method require removing the bumper from the car? The reason I ask is that, if it does not, they are likely going to drill it and attempt to pull it out (which probably won't work), or they will just build it up with other material and paint it over. If this is what they are going to do, I would pass. If they are going to pull the bumper to try and 'push' the dented area out, that may work.

* If it was not for the 'dent', this type of damage (unless the material is cracked) is definitely repairable. Ask the less expensive shop how they plan on getting the dent 'out' and see if you're comfortable with their methods.

* If you're interested in the less expensive shop doing the work, normal questions apply: how reputable are they; how long have they been in business; what type of work guarantee do they have in writing; what happens if you're not satisfied; etc.

Hope this helps a bit. Good luck.

 

Sorry this happened- what a bummer!
Once it's fixed, I recommend getting the poverty splitter- it sticks out just enough ahead of the bumper that it has saved me from hitting parking curbs COUNTLESS times. You can buy it for around $115, and takes about 10 minutes to install

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...installed.html

 

That can be easily repaired by a good shop.

 

Tough call. I had a crack repaired in the front fascia of my C5 nearly seven years ago. The body shop removed the fascia, fixed the crack, repainted the entire fascia and reinstalled the parts. You'd never know a repair was done. That said, the damage was not in a complex area like yours.

It's hard to tell from the pics whether the paint is just cracked/scuffed or if the fascia is actually cracked. If the former, the repair would be easier IMO.

 

I have read _some_ "dents" like that can be popped out after applying high heat...apparently the heat softens the material enough to reform it. Then it's just paint work.

 

That looks repairable and although horrible to have happen its not that bad really. Something like that I look at this way - happens once, could happen again - If i hit a curb, I am likely to hit a curb again at some point. So, replacing the bumper cover for the slight damage to me versus fix falls on the fix side.

The cover can be slightly heated and pushed out and then the paint can be addressed.

If the cover was torn or cracked all the way through (cant tell for sure from photo - daylight through a crack is bad) then I would replace it.

 

Replace.

I have doubts that a repair will truly look like it never happened.

 

Replace it.

 

sorry this happened. After the repair, please consider purchasing "Curb Alert". This system would have prevented this from happening.

Good luck.

 

I honestly would try to repair it then if that did not work I would replace it but that is just me.

 

The damage is way down low , a easy repair that will last as long as it doesn't get hit again. You shouldn't see a issues even 5yrs down the road. Biggest reason for repair is paint and clear coat can be kept low. That leaves the original upper surface untouched and more durable. It also takes away any color match issues that you will encounter if the complete bumper cover is changed. I am a body man, I would not want the front cover replaced and make the repairs undetectable as any good body shop can do.

 

I installed a front splitter (official GM part) for less than $100 and it works as a great "curb alert". That thing has saved my front bumper numerous times.

 

I saw a C7 cave in his front facie much like this at an autocross. I was able to reach up underneath and simply pop it back into place. It's really quite flexible. It came back into perfect shape. The paint needed some attention, but replacement wasn't required. You might try this before making up your mind.

 

Listen to the expert, is my opinion.