MAYH3M

iTrader: (12)

So, I hit a freakin' raccoon and it tore apart the bottom part of my passenger side front bumper, along with bending my fog light.

I found a brand new bumper on ebay prepainted to factory color for around $270. Seeing as how I've never done body work, how hard is it to do a front bumper swap? How long should it take and would I have to remove the Washer Fluid Reservoir?

Thanks guys

blindxeyed

iTrader: (8)

Mine only takes about 15 minutes to take off. Took me about 30-40 minutes the first time though. You're definitely going to want to buy a panel clip removal tool from an auto parts store. That will save you a lot of time and hassle with the annoying little plastic push in clips.

hbgben

x2 for the tool

therobman

iTrader: (39)

easy you wont need the tool just a ratchet set and a pair of pliers

blindxeyed

iTrader: (8)

Tried it that way, it easily damages the clips. If you want to keep them in good condition, without getting all chewed up from the pliers, then the clip removal tool would be very handy to have.

TheSilverOne

iTrader: (22)

a proper size flat head screwdriver works as well. you don't need to remove the winshield washer fluid tank to swap front bumper covers. also, i bet the paint won't match.

MAYH3M

iTrader: (12)

Why do you say that?

As for the clip remover, I already have one but thank you

nemss1

paint fades in sunlight over time and the bumper u have found is newly painted

really easy to remove the bumper cover

Raven02TA

iTrader: (11)

not if he takes good care of his paint.... ie: periodical waxing and polishing

SparkyJJO

iTrader: (11)

Depends on the color too. Mine is hard to match (MTM), so my prepainted fender I got isn't exact but other colors may be easier.

BradsLS1

I bet it won't match. But it all depends on your color really. But most of the time it won't because a lot of times having the same paint code doesn't mean crap. It all depends on a lot of things. If the paint was shot with a different air pressure, number of coats and even Temp can change things a lot. Especially light colors. If it is a darker color than you might have a chance. I would never pay extra for someone to shoot a panel for me unless they have my car to see and shoot to match. You can have two cars the same color next to each other and you may see subtle differences between the two. One may be a little darker then the next. And like said before weather fades colors.

MAYH3M

iTrader: (12)

Well, my car is painted black. But, I was just reading a thread that says bumpers from ebay don't fit properly.

I don't want to shell out like $280 for a bumper that wont fit properly and the color wont match.

cvalliere

iTrader: (1)

They want $280 for a prepainted bumper cover on ebay!!!???? That is ******' cheep, I bet it will peel and have cracks in it. **** just using a reconditioned bumper and painting it at work would cost almost a grand. I wouldn't buy it. save your money or turn it into you ins. co. and have it done right.