Anyone replaced a damaged bumper themselves? 2015 Fiesta.
A friend hit another car after reversing round a corner this morning splitting and pulling the front bumper off one side.
She's a single mum who works part time and her insurance excess is £350 which she'll struggle to find.
So after a quick look this morning in the gloom of the snow it seemed like a straight forward job so I offered to find her a replacement and fit it myself.
Given that I've done plenty of work on [i]my own[/i] cars over the years then it should be a doddle.
Then I thought, hang on, nearly new car. Airbags and their sensors.
Perhaps I should leave alone?
It should be easy enough to do, the sensors are normally out the way. If it has parking sensors just be careful of them.
Worth getting some spare screws from ford too before starting.
I'd bet there's a video on youtube showing how to do it. Well done for helping out, but if you have my luck it'll turn into a nightmare and someone else's problem becomes your's 🙁
Duck tape held the bumper/ trim on our RAV4 for about 4 years if you want a quick fix...
Thanks. I thought it looked easy enough. It's just that I noticed a small switch behind the bumper that got me thinking.
I'll be having a proper look this weekend if the weather's a bit better. Ta
Hardest thing with bumpers is figuring out how they're held on. Generally screws and/or plastic rivets around wheel arches/liners, along the bottom edge, and along the top edge. There may be a couple bolts or screws around the middle front, and then it's usually a mix of push in clips (usually a good pull unclips the bumper) and locating guides.
If you can get a replacement bumper first, then you'll be able to look at it to see where the attachment points are.
If you are local to the Midlands and want to drop it round I'll give you a lift. It's a 30 min job. Off the top of my head
If you can post a picture of the car I'll tell you how to take it off. Splits are repairable if it's not too bad. Genuine ford bumpers are expensive as they are pre painted
Is it colour coded ? If so it will need painting. From what I have seen they are typically held on with a mix of bolts and plastic clips. We had the rear replaced on a Micra and it was £450 I recall a big chunck was the cost of painting.
Thanks all.
The bumper is completely cut in two and colour coded. Panther Black I think if it's the same as another friends Fiesta.
I've found a primed bumper for £79 which she's happy with. Told her I'll fit it and then she can have it sprayed sometime after Christmas.
Cheers for the offer big yim. I'm up in Rossendale, North West though. I've had a look at a couple of videos on YouTube and as I thought it's a matter of a few screws/bolts and clips.
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Yeah that will be panther black, just make sure it hasn't broken off the headlamp mounting tab when it's come off. If you need a temporary fix slide the bumper back on and drill holes either side of the crack and bang some cable ties in. It should sort of stitch it back together. Guessing it's in the guide but it's easier to remove the bumper with the headlights out first.
If you get lucky and find a 2nd hand bumper the same colour even better. Shouldn't be too hard to fit but be prepared to cup your hands and swear alot contorting to reach some fasteners. The fact the old ones basically off means youl be able to see where all the fitments are easily.
Jeez standards are slipping...
Is she fit?
She reversed around a corner, hit something , and this is the result?
Should be easy to fit
Am I the only one thinking if she can't afford £350 for excess how is she affording a new car ?
Sorry to sound cynical nor am I judging just find it odd one can afford a new car...
I run a bodyshop business. I wouldn't advise fitting bumper before painting the primer they come in is pourus and your just making more work for your self as will have to come off again to paint.
Thanks for that advice robfury. Hmm back to square one. 🙂
The easiest thing would be second hand bumper or price up a new one from Ford as it will be painted when you get it. Ford Honda ànd volvo bumpers come pre painted from the factory
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/152299359472 something like this is an option if you don't mind a few marks
I've seen second hand ones in the right colour for sale with marks and scratches and the odd split so I'll suggest she gets one of those. She can have it tarted up after Christmas.
On top of this, her heatings not working now.
No I'm not getting involved. I mustn't. 🙂
...she's got heating as well !
Bet she has a brand new iphone as well...
Cheer up unfitgeezer. I'm just trying to help someone out. You're missing out on some nice tunes on BBC 4 by the way. Relax 🙂
Maybe not the Fame crap. 🙂