I just got my 2002 Camaro a few weeks ago, and low and behold I come out of Wal-mart to find someone scraped the front bumper (by the looks of it, they backed into it, it looks more like they hit it straight on than scrapped up againts it).... grrrr..... The only real damage seems to be the paint is scrapped off the bumper under the headlight on the drivers side, the blinker is broken, and the healight is a bit misalligned. I already reseated the headlight and it's about like new. I ordered a new blinker for $18, and am installing it this weekend. My worry is the bumper. How hard is it to get the bumper touched up by way of paint. I know they are plastic, and I wasn't sure if they couldn't sand that down at all to get the scratches out before priming and painting. I really want to avoid having to spend $120 for a primed new bumper cover.

Any ideas, or estimates on cost for a touch up like that. I figure as long as it stays cheap, there is no sence calling insurance and paying the deductable.

 

If the bumper isn't split or mangled, then it will be an easy fix. Do you have a Maaco paint shop near you? They have a $100 bumper repaint special going on. That's fora typical "rough-up sand and paint" type of job. To fix and featherthe paint pops on yours, they'll charge you around $40-$50 additional. I have a Maaco near me, and they do excellent work. It would be worth your while to pay them a visit and do a quality check on the cars they are working on. It's still less thanyour ins. deductible (unless yours is dirt cheap). And you couldn't even buythe raw materials for that price either.

 

If you do end up purchasing a new bumper, Stay with OEM. Aftermarket fitment on these cars is horrible.

 

I'd generally suggest staying away from MAACO. They're not really known for doing quality work. There are probably some good local body shops that will do a better job for cheaper. Go shop around, get estimates, etc.

 

Cool, I will ask around this weekend some. I know there is no real cracks or damage to the bumper, so I should be good. My only concern at this point will be them matching the black paint and getting it to feather and fade properly. But again, it will be something I will ask the paint Shops.

It seems to me, even the OEM one is just barely fitting right on there. At least with the 2002 models. I like the late 90's with the square lights and pointed look better. But I got a great deal on this Camaro and am loving it.

Thanks again

 

And that's how bad rumors start. That's also why I suggested that he should go check out the paint shop and see their quality of work. You can get schlock work from an independent shop just as easily as from a chain.
BTW, I was speaking from first-hand experience, not rumors. When I went and checked out my local Maaco, they had three Vettes in there that they were doing a complete paint on, and they all looked great. Just last month, I had my 79 Vette painted there (their topof the line base/clear package) and thecar turned out awesome, not to mention the cost was about half aswhat a small shop would be. And two weeks ago I took the Vette to a car show/swap, and got numerous compliments on the paint. Now, I'm not saying that all the Maaco shops are exactly the same as far as quality, but the one I went todoes great work. Would I go back there again? You bet! It pays to shop around and check the shops work, whether it's a small shop, or a large chain.

 

I will check around. I found a MAACO right down the road from work, so I can check them out. I am a bit nervous with the local shops, since I live in an Army town. Alot of people who can't do great work, start little shops and such cause they know that there is always a soldier who is looking for a cheap deal. I would rather pay a bit more and get a good job done. I also like that MAACO has the different packages, so if you are on a budget you can still get it done, just not as high quality. thanks for the ideas. This forum is really helping out. Helped with my susspension and is now helping with my body work. Thanks guys.

 

x10!! Macco can kiss my *** BOTH CHEEKS AND EAT THE FILLING!! Talk about poop! I saw an ad for employment from Macco. It read.....

Wanted - auto painters and auto body repair specialist! No expirence necassary, will train.

Then just below that want ad was this one.........

Wanted - auto painters and auto body repair trainers!! No expirence necassary.

Seriously dude they suck.

 

"Wanted - auto painters and auto body repair trainers!! "

I found out a few years ago that different parts of the country use the word trainer differently. I was used to the context that a trainer is someone who teaches or mentors others. I found however that some folks considers a trainer as someone who is receiving training.