Need to replace front bumper cover.

 

1) Is taking old one out and putting new one as simple as on the previous gen - just few clips around the bottom and at the top? It does look like it.

 

2) dealers sell them,but it is not clear whether they are primed? painted? 

What's involved in painting one? It is twilight blue metallic (H1Q)? Is metallic extra challenge?If there was a way to get one already painted my color code I'd prefer going that way? 

 

 

Thanks,

-Michael

 

 

most new replacement body panels will be in primer only - to be painted to match the vehicle either by the dealer's body shop, or a body shop of the owner's choosing.

 

if you want one that is already painted, try finding a used one from a rearend wreck

 

www.car-part.com can help you find what you are looking for.

 

unless you have the equipment & experience painting, metallic paint can be a real challenge to get right.

740gle,

 

Heartless is correct ... leave the metal flake base coat and clear coat  painting to a professional. You will be disappointed with your results if you don't have experience with these materials. Having to scuff it all down again and repaint it a second time, pluss the cost of materials is just not worth it.

 

As for pulling it yourself, go for it. But when it comes to putting it back on after the repaint, get someone to help you position the cover. As well, mask around the headlight and fender seams where the cover meets them. That'll prevent scratching the paint on the fenders and the bumper cover. Remove the tape only after the cover is properly seated.

automotive paint and finishes are highly technical, don't do it unless you're....well you're not if you're asking.

 

i always try to get a used one to match if possible - that's the easiest and cheapest solution.  bumpers are often $200 from subaru and $200 to paint - you're generally around $500.  used is much more reasonable but yours is new enough it might be hard to find and i've never found a yard that will ship items this big.

automotive paint and finishes are highly technical, don't do it unless you're....well you're not if you're asking.

 

i always try to get a used one to match if possible - that's the easiest and cheapest solution.  bumpers are often $200 from subaru and $200 to paint - you're generally around $500.  used is much more reasonable but yours is new enough it might be hard to find and i've never found a yard that will ship items this big.

Yes, www.car-part.com came up with nothing, and a random call to the nearest body shop in town quoted $600-$700 to replace the bumper, They didn't want to do just paining. They do not exactly have a reputation of the cheap place... WIll call other places around.

 

My insurance deductable is $500, so I decided no tot claim it, and try to fix myself as much as possibleI Already down ~$150 fixing washer pump, and replacing fender liner and the bottom plastic shield. I thought I could get away, keeping the old bumper, but cracks turned out larger than I saw first, and they seem to be growing. Covered with duck tape for now,hope it stalls the cracks from growing.

 

Will have to shop around local junkyards. Any good places in  NJ?

-michael

 

 

 

Is 2013 Legacy a match?

I've had good luck before having a mom-n-pop type body shop paint a bumper for me.

There are also painters who specialize in bumper repair for car dealerships. Might try calling a few dealers and find out who they use.

yes, definitely shop around!

 

my 95 was damaged by an idiot last winter - new bumper cover - painted to match, new headlight housing, a few other odds & ends, and everything installed (labor) was just over $900 at a very reputable shop - and they supplied everything needed for the repairs.

in hindsight - my painting quotes are probably low - it'll probably be more like $400 to paint the bumper, you can probably google subaru bumper paint costs.