Had a booboo in the snow :(

akira02rex · 12-30-2012, 09:24 AM

Yesterday while trying to stop, in my NEW 2013 WRX hatch model, I slid slowly in to a hardened 6in snow drift and slightly cracked the bumper cover at the bottom about 2in. The crack is not too noticeable, but obviously I want it fixed.

I see that subarugenuineparts.com sells the entire bumper cover for $197 unpainted.
How much would it cost generally to have something like this painted? I plan to install/replace the item myself to save a few extra bucks. I sent an email to subarugenuineparts.com to see if they would paint it for me but haven't heard anything back yet.

This really has me quite upset because I'm one to take very good care of my belongings. I'm almost thinking of waiting until spring to fix it just in case something else happens.

These cars should be coming with good all-seasons instead of summer-only tires.

Here is a picture of the damage:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B2O...zNOWk5ZOGh5N1k

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

dsn112 · 12-30-2012, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akira02rex

Yesterday while trying to stop, in my NEW 2013 WRX hatch model, I slid slowly in to a hardened 6in snow drift and slightly cracked the bumper cover at the bottom about 2in. The crack is not too noticeable, but obviously I want it fixed.

I see that subarugenuineparts.com sells the entire bumper cover for $197 unpainted.
How much would it cost generally to have something like this painted? I plan to install/replace the item myself to save a few extra bucks. I sent an email to subarugenuineparts.com to see if they would paint it for me but haven't heard anything back yet.

This really has me quite upset because I'm one to take very good care of my belongings. I'm almost thinking of waiting until spring to fix it just in case something else happens.

These cars should be coming with good all-seasons instead of summer-only tires.

First off, as you learned, driving on summer tires in the winter is as dumb as it gets.

As far as fixing it, is it really that bad. My 2013 has a small crack already too. I hit a pothole and it bottomed out. Lost my tow hook cover too. I'm not fixing the crack. Replacing your bumper will cost you $500 and it will just happen again. To many variables you can't control to justify that money. Spend your $500 on winter wheel/tire set.

MattTHEpainter · 12-30-2012, 09:34 AM

Bring it to a reputable body shop in your area. That's a very easy fix. They can keep the color low, and re-clear the entire bumper.

This will be much cheaper than getting a new bumper and having it repainted. You also won't have to worry about and color mismatch on adjacent panels.

akira02rex · 12-30-2012, 09:37 AM

Well I thought about that too, wasn't sure if these plastics were repairable.

Unfortunately, I HAVE to get it fixed. These things bother the heck out of me. I'm OCD to say the least. This one little crack on my car makes me feel like I'm driving a hunk of junk.

dsn112 · 12-30-2012, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akira02rex

Well I thought about that too, wasn't sure if these plastics were repairable.

Unfortunately, I HAVE to get it fixed. These things bother the heck out of me. I'm OCD to say the least. This one little crack on my car makes me feel like I'm driving a hunk of junk.

Do what you got to do, just don't get mad when it happens again. These cars are very fragile.

MattTHEpainter · 12-30-2012, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akira02rex

Well I thought about that too, wasn't sure if these plastics were repairable.

Unfortunately, I HAVE to get it fixed. These things bother the heck out of me. I'm OCD to say the least. This one little crack on my car makes me feel like I'm driving a hunk of junk.

Good response. It's nice to see people who care about their car.

ARiSTA Performance · 12-30-2012, 09:55 AM

OP: Chances are that when you receive word from Subaru Genuine Parts, the shipping charges will be astronomical and you may be better off buying the part directly from Subaru. Then you would have to find a reputable body shop to repaint the bumper, however keep in mind that the repaint may not be as smooth and matching as the OEM bumper. When I cracked my bumper, I paid mid $200 for the bumper through a friend who owns a very reputable body shop and after paint and labor, the total was around $700. Granted he did an awesome job, but the quality is not the same as OEM. Keep in mind of both variables when making your decision! Good luck and Happy Holidays sir!

ARiSTA Performance · 12-30-2012, 09:56 AM

--- Also, I forgot to add that if you do decide to purchase the new bumper, you may be able to sell the cracked one for a very fair price to offset the cost.

dsn112 · 12-30-2012, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattTHEpainter

Good response. It's nice to see people who care about their car.

Yea, you know me, I don't car about my car that I wash every week and have already done a full detail on(clay, polish,seal and done two motul oil changes in the first 5k). I am just realistic enough to know that these things happen to a car you drive on roads. Already have rock chips too. Should I get it resprayed every few months? I am as anal as can be on my cars, but there are just somethings I have to let go. It is a car after all.

MattTHEpainter · 12-30-2012, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsn112

Yea, you know me, I don't car about my car that I wash every week and have already done a full detail on(clay, polish,seal and done two motul oil changes in the first 5k). I am just realistic enough to know that these things happen to a car you drive on roads. Already have rock chips too. Should I get it resprayed every few months? I am as anal as can be on my cars, but there are just somethings I have to let go. It is a car after all.

Were you picked on throughout school? I wasn't referring to you at all, pump the brakes. Hence the quote. I haven't washed my car since last April.

akira02rex · 12-30-2012, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsn112

Yea, you know me, I don't car about my car that I wash every week and have already done a full detail on(clay, polish,seal and done two motul oil changes in the first 5k). I am just realistic enough to know that these things happen to a car you drive on roads. Already have rock chips too. Should I get it resprayed every few months? I am as anal as can be on my cars, but there are just somethings I have to let go. It is a car after all.

Well, it bothers me more than normal because of everything I went through to get to where I'm at now. This is my 3rd WRX.. but between this one and my last I went through a bad divorce, drove a piece of crap blazer because I couldn't afford anything else while I paid for a car I wasn't driving (my ex drove).

So, when it was time to receive the vehicle back from my ex, I was releived with joy because I could finally get what I wanted. Now, two months pass by and this happens to my pride and joy. That's the gist of the story without any nitty gritty details lol.

dsn112 · 12-30-2012, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akira02rex

Well, it bothers me more than normal because of everything I went through to get to where I'm at now. This is my 3rd WRX.. but between this one and my last I went through a bad divorce, drove a piece of crap blazer because I couldn't afford anything else while I paid for a car I wasn't driving (my ex drove).

So, when it was time to receive the vehicle back from my ex, I was releived with joy because I could finally get what I wanted. Now, two months pass by and this happens to my pride and joy. That's the gist of the story without any nitty gritty details lol.

Yea, I hear ya, two months in for me too. Was so pissed. It's costing me close to $100 for just the tow hook cover. Really would rather spend that money elsewhere.

And to Matt, i was not picked on for sure, many members here attack everything you say so I was just was assuming you were too.

MattTHEpainter · 12-30-2012, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsn112

Yea, I hear ya, two months in for me too. Was so pissed. It's costing me close to $100 for just the tow hook cover. Really would rather spend that money elsewhere.

And to Matt, i was not picked on for sure, many members here attack everything you say so I was just was assuming you were too.

Check my posts and you'll be refreshed that there are forum members who contribute in a positive manner.

thebigevilfoot · 12-30-2012, 11:25 AM

If I were you, I would just get a bumper lip, while it won't cover the whole crack it will definitely keep it from spreading.

Adrian8 · 12-30-2012, 11:48 AM

Painting these covers are very expensive...One for my 03 G-35 was over $800.00 installed, the paint cost is crazy. The G-is still cracked. Possible short term solution..cut the broken piece off with boxcutter, then do the same to the other side..instant match. If you can't stand it, get the new one.

paved1 · 12-30-2012, 12:19 PM

Maaaaan, I've been living with a shopping cart ding on my fender that is 2" tall and took the paint off. But I feel ya', Luckily I found a fender (Factory WRB to match my car) locally to purchase at a reasonable price.

3M makes a product that fills in cracks like that, that is super duper easy to use. Dig around find that, and you're right, might be good to wait till spring to do this.
Find a dealer/bodyshop that will make either a spraycan or a little pump looking type spraycan of touch up paint for your paint code. Go to work.
That crack has such a small area that is in need of actual repair that no one will be able to see it (unless your right up on it, looking for it).
You'll save a ****e ton of money and more than likely be happy with the results.
I used to do this on boats when a half gabazillion dollar boat would get a couple inch ding because some ashsole that only drives his boat two or three times a year would ram a dock.
Good Luck with repair.

RM_2 · 12-30-2012, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akira02rex

These cars should be coming with good all-seasons instead of summer-only tires.

And you didn't get winter tires?

JavaBot · 12-30-2012, 01:25 PM

Drill two small holes on each side of the crack under the BOTTOM of the lip. Make an "x" with two zip ties and voila!

Should be a good temp fix...

JavaBot · 12-30-2012, 01:26 PM

Also host your pics on photobucket if you can.

akira02rex · 12-30-2012, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RM_2

And you didn't get winter tires?

Does it look like it?

akira02rex · 12-30-2012, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JavaBot

Also host your pics on photobucket if you can.

The effort it took for you type this response could have been driven for you to click the link. Google Drive is free, it's where I store all of my relevant useful data I need.. so that is what I'll be using.

But, thank you for your humble suggestion.

JavaBot · 12-30-2012, 04:41 PM

I was trying to repost the pic directly to your thread so you don't make yourself vulnerable by publicizing your entire gmail through google drive... But if you want advice that's one thing, or a vent thread may be better suited for ot.

JavaBot · 12-30-2012, 04:43 PM

Anywaysss like I said I did that on my old lip since there was no paint damage, and you couldn't tell it was cracked by looking at it unless you saw the underside of the car. Good luck

Scanyland · 12-30-2012, 05:32 PM

This is what I don't understand, people spend $28,000 (+ or -) on these cars and don't spend the extra $400-500 to get a set of winter tires. Im not targeting you I just don't under stand the thought process.

If I were you I would leave it alone as a remeinder.

Jayp5150 · 12-30-2012, 08:58 PM

I did almost exactly the same thing yesterday. I actually have snow tires and was goofing around; didn't see a chunk of ice in the snow and cracked my driver side in the EXACT same spot. It's probably about 6 or 7 inches. It's a clean break, so I'm going to bandage it for the time being. It's not as noticeable on PBP lol.

Good luck with the repair.

12-30-2012, 09:24 AM	#1
akira02rex Scooby Specialist Member#: 82612 Join Date: Mar 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Vehicle: '02 WRX - Sold Now 2013 WRX	Had a booboo in the snow :( Yesterday while trying to stop, in my NEW 2013 WRX hatch model, I slid slowly in to a hardened 6in snow drift and slightly cracked the bumper cover at the bottom about 2in. The crack is not too noticeable, but obviously I want it fixed. I see that subarugenuineparts.com sells the entire bumper cover for $197 unpainted. How much would it cost generally to have something like this painted? I plan to install/replace the item myself to save a few extra bucks. I sent an email to subarugenuineparts.com to see if they would paint it for me but haven't heard anything back yet. This really has me quite upset because I'm one to take very good care of my belongings. I'm almost thinking of waiting until spring to fix it just in case something else happens. These cars should be coming with good all-seasons instead of summer-only tires. Here is a picture of the damage: https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B2O...zNOWk5ZOGh5N1k * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by akira02rex; 12-30-2012 at 09:30 AM.

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12-30-2012, 09:34 AM	#3
MattTHEpainter Scooby Specialist Member#: 284046 Join Date: May 2011 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: CT Vehicle: 2000 Impreza w/ WRX	Bring it to a reputable body shop in your area. That's a very easy fix. They can keep the color low, and re-clear the entire bumper. This will be much cheaper than getting a new bumper and having it repainted. You also won't have to worry about and color mismatch on adjacent panels.

12-30-2012, 09:37 AM	#4
akira02rex Scooby Specialist Member#: 82612 Join Date: Mar 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Vehicle: '02 WRX - Sold Now 2013 WRX	Well I thought about that too, wasn't sure if these plastics were repairable. Unfortunately, I HAVE to get it fixed. These things bother the heck out of me. I'm OCD to say the least. This one little crack on my car makes me feel like I'm driving a hunk of junk.

12-30-2012, 09:55 AM	#7
ARiSTA Performance NASIOC Vendor Member#: 309599 Join Date: Feb 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: New Jersey Vehicle: 2006 WRX STi CGM	OP: Chances are that when you receive word from Subaru Genuine Parts, the shipping charges will be astronomical and you may be better off buying the part directly from Subaru. Then you would have to find a reputable body shop to repaint the bumper, however keep in mind that the repaint may not be as smooth and matching as the OEM bumper. When I cracked my bumper, I paid mid $200 for the bumper through a friend who owns a very reputable body shop and after paint and labor, the total was around $700. Granted he did an awesome job, but the quality is not the same as OEM. Keep in mind of both variables when making your decision! Good luck and Happy Holidays sir!

12-30-2012, 09:56 AM	#8
ARiSTA Performance NASIOC Vendor Member#: 309599 Join Date: Feb 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: New Jersey Vehicle: 2006 WRX STi CGM	--- Also, I forgot to add that if you do decide to purchase the new bumper, you may be able to sell the cracked one for a very fair price to offset the cost.

12-30-2012, 11:25 AM	#14
thebigevilfoot Scooby Specialist Member#: 253836 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Central NJ Vehicle: 2011 WRX-DGM 20g STImikey tune RIP CSK	If I were you, I would just get a bumper lip, while it won't cover the whole crack it will definitely keep it from spreading.

12-30-2012, 11:48 AM	#15
Adrian8 Scooby Newbie Member#: 330292 Join Date: Aug 2012	Painting these covers are very expensive...One for my 03 G-35 was over $800.00 installed, the paint cost is crazy. The G-is still cracked. Possible short term solution..cut the broken piece off with boxcutter, then do the same to the other side..instant match. If you can't stand it, get the new one.

12-30-2012, 12:19 PM	#16
paved1 Scooby Newbie Member#: 121704 Join Date: Aug 2006 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: St. Louis, Misery Vehicle: 07 WRX LTD WRB	Maaaaan, I've been living with a shopping cart ding on my fender that is 2" tall and took the paint off. But I feel ya', Luckily I found a fender (Factory WRB to match my car) locally to purchase at a reasonable price. 3M makes a product that fills in cracks like that, that is super duper easy to use. Dig around find that, and you're right, might be good to wait till spring to do this. Find a dealer/bodyshop that will make either a spraycan or a little pump looking type spraycan of touch up paint for your paint code. Go to work. That crack has such a small area that is in need of actual repair that no one will be able to see it (unless your right up on it, looking for it). You'll save a ****e ton of money and more than likely be happy with the results. I used to do this on boats when a half gabazillion dollar boat would get a couple inch ding because some ashsole that only drives his boat two or three times a year would ram a dock. Good Luck with repair.

12-30-2012, 01:25 PM	#18
JavaBot Scooby Guru Member#: 156723 Join Date: Aug 2007 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Illadelph Vehicle: 99rs Silver city buggy	Drill two small holes on each side of the crack under the BOTTOM of the lip. Make an "x" with two zip ties and voila! Should be a good temp fix...

12-30-2012, 01:26 PM	#19
JavaBot Scooby Guru Member#: 156723 Join Date: Aug 2007 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Illadelph Vehicle: 99rs Silver city buggy	Also host your pics on photobucket if you can.

12-30-2012, 04:41 PM	#22
JavaBot Scooby Guru Member#: 156723 Join Date: Aug 2007 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Illadelph Vehicle: 99rs Silver city buggy	I was trying to repost the pic directly to your thread so you don't make yourself vulnerable by publicizing your entire gmail through google drive... But if you want advice that's one thing, or a vent thread may be better suited for ot.

12-30-2012, 04:43 PM	#23
JavaBot Scooby Guru Member#: 156723 Join Date: Aug 2007 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Illadelph Vehicle: 99rs Silver city buggy	Anywaysss like I said I did that on my old lip since there was no paint damage, and you couldn't tell it was cracked by looking at it unless you saw the underside of the car. Good luck

12-30-2012, 05:32 PM	#24
Scanyland Scooby Newbie Member#: 282593 Join Date: May 2011 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Vermont Vehicle: 1996 Subaru Legacy White	This is what I don't understand, people spend $28,000 (+ or -) on these cars and don't spend the extra $400-500 to get a set of winter tires. Im not targeting you I just don't under stand the thought process. If I were you I would leave it alone as a remeinder.

12-30-2012, 08:58 PM	#25
Jayp5150 Scooby Newbie Member#: 308768 Join Date: Feb 2012 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Columbus, OH Vehicle: 2012 WRX 5 Door Plasma Blue Pearl	I did almost exactly the same thing yesterday. I actually have snow tires and was goofing around; didn't see a chunk of ice in the snow and cracked my driver side in the EXACT same spot. It's probably about 6 or 7 inches. It's a clean break, so I'm going to bandage it for the time being. It's not as noticeable on PBP lol. Good luck with the repair.