WTF New bumper - pics

myfirstlincoln

myfirstlincoln

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My front bumper is pretty "stonewashed" and beat up as you can see in the pics but the rest of the car is in really really good shape so I decided to get an estimate for some repair and paint.

Anyway, I stopped at a local body shop (very reputable place) and was shocked at the price. A new bumper assembly (with the lower grill included) is nearly $600. So a new bumper and paint would cost me nearly $1000. To repair the bumper I have now, fill the license plate holes, and paint was about the same price. He told me it would take his guys a while to ensure they got all the chips, especially on the lower grill since there are a lot of diff angles (lots of hand sanding). I was hoping to spend around 500 total. He also called a place he knows that sells refurbished bumpers which are a bit cheaper, but they didn't have any in stock and apparently said that they doubt they will have any in the near future. This seems pretty high but the bumper is in pretty crappy shape. Anyone know where I can get a cheap bumper in good condition? (I checked local salvage yards and nothing). Anyone else get their bumper painted recently?


On a positive note, I was gonna wait to get the bumper painted until I put on my new grill, but I couldn't resist :)

frontbumper1.jpg


frontbumper2.jpg


frontbumper3.jpg
 
i just searched and found one for 390 shipped and preprimed. wat year is your ls?
 
Check out feebay, or check with the insurance company, back into it with another car, just enough to crack it.
 
Or find a spike in a yard, and drive into that, like ^^^^^
 
Thanks - That's definitely an option, but that's 650+125 shipping not including painting and installing.

If I do decide to spend 1000+ I'll definitely get that over a stock bumper. I'm still looking for something a bit cheaper though. I have no problem spending money, but like I said, 1000-1200 is pretty big investment for a bumper...
 
Used front bumpers are hard to come by, for some reason almost every Ls that is involved in an accident is a front end collision.
 
My car like yours has the road rash. Some schools will do work for free if you trust a newbie spraying the car. I think they might take more iinterest in doing a good job than a pro shop[Please feel free to torch me }. Bodywork/Painting seems to be way over priced. I would love to have the car reshot but will either wait or get rid of it. SilverBirch is a very tough color to match, they can get the shade but the metalflake doesnt seem the same as OEM. as I had both bumpers done 2 yrs ago. Good luck
 
An LSE bumper would complete your car.


Your color LS with the LSE grill already looks amazing.

If I didn't have a black LS, I would want that silver. Or that vibrant red lol
 
Here's some information I posted in another post for another member. If you go with a new bumper I would do the LSE. The part numbers are also listed on TeamFord if you want to look them up else where.

Here's the link to Teamford. http://teamfordparts.com/partlocator...catalogid=4014

This kit has everything including fog lights, fog lights mounting bracket and the chrome insert at the bottom of the grill. Now I went on Parts.com and copied and pasted all of the part numbers and researched them there. Added up all of the prices and everything and it's about $100 dollars cheaper. So instead of paying 630 you'll pay 531.73 for everything listed on Teamford's website from Parts.com. This is the route that I'm going.
 
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I might have a lead for you on a CHEAP LSE front bumper. Let me call a member tomorrow. I will contact you ASAP with the info.
 
Thanks to everyone for all the info and compliments. Looks like I'm gonna be saving some extra money and getting the LSE bumper. I'll have to post some pics when all is said and done. I'll probably keep the stock bumper when they take it off and work on it in my free time to see if I can get it back to somewhat normal.

Rollin that sounds awesome. Definitely let me know. Thanks!
 
Paint work is not overpriced, it is labor intensive and requires a ton of equipment to be done properly...
 
I've never paid more then 150 for a bumper respray. We had a guy drive to us and do exactly what you need. Flawless work! You should look around. You don't need a new bumper! don't waste your money unless your upgrading. Good luck!!! The good prices are out there. You may save some money by sanding it yourself and just have it prepped for paint.
 
^...no

A "simple" bumper respray will take 24 hours to complete. and alot longer then 30 minutes.

Yes...it takes about 30 minutes to spray. It takes a few hours to bake after that. and befor that, you gotta take the bumper off...1 labor hour...bumper needs to be sanded down...bumper needs body filler if the chips are real deep. then the bumper needs sanded some more. then the bumper needs primer, and then sanded, and then it gets your "simple" "30 minute spray.

I suppose he could just get a can of spray paint thats close to the color, and have at it. that might take 30 minutes.
 
^ Haha. Sounds like a plan. Yea, the guy at the body shop told me in order to ensure that the bumper is perfect, he would probably have to fill, sand, prime at least 2-3 times before he even hits it with a coat of paint.

He also told me that his price is probably a little high, but he guarantees he will fix EVERY little chip...while many other shops will not be as meticulous - like I said, the place is a reputable shop and does work for a lot of the major car dealers in the area.

Also, another thing that concerns me is that I plan to have my current job for a while, so a lot of highway driving is a necessity. Obviously the shop has lifetime warranty on their work, but he said chips will happen again and can basically only hope that the paint holds up better this time.

Anyone know any way to prevent this other than an ugly bra - because I refuse to put one on my car. I don't know much about painting, but is there a way to bake the paint or perhaps some additives so it becomes even harder/more scratch resistant? Will an extra layer of clear help/will it look different?
 
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