Rear bumper scratches

[Lmhansen]

I've got two sets of scratches on the rear bumper, and I'm trying to figure out how to best go about fixing it. The included image should give you some idea of the damage... The one over the rear side marker light actually broke the light, and the other one made an indentation just at the top edge. I don't care so much about the dent as the scratches.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

[SAPO]

ooo!! that hurts!!! man sorry about that!

[Beetlebomb]

Oh Man, that really sucks big time! I can feel your pain. I'd be inclined to get some body shop bids, even if they amount to a "pretty penny," but that's just me. From where I'm sitting those gouges just look to deep to be able to buff out to any significant degreee. Your N.B. is too nice to just leave it as is or try to do it non-professionally, but then, if you have the skills...?

[Lmhansen]

I was hoping I could just sand it down, apply some primer, and paint over it... Maybe use some filler if there some big gouges...

[ChaseBug]

Did you ever get this fixed - either yourself or at a body shop? I just hit a nasty curb this morning and got some ugly scratches on my rear bumper I'm wondering what I should do. Poor bug....

[dunno513]

I would think that some careful work with a dremel tool to smooth out the gouge edges, plus some tedious work with touchup paint could be an E-Z fix and cheap too. Sure it will be noticable up close, but from afar, it won't look that bad and your wallet won't feel bad either.

If you don't have a dremel, now is a good time to invest. That thing has helped me out so many times. Make sure to get one with the flexable extension, makes it easier to use in tight spaces.

[Lmhansen]

This is basically what I was planning on doing:

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ab_det...277543,00.html
(Scroll down to How to I fill a large scratch on my car)

Doesn't look too complicated, but certainly some investment in time and to some extent money. A can of paint is $20 (best I've found at least), a can of clearcoat is about $7, and primer is about the same, so that's about $35. Then there's the body filler (Bondo plastic filler with harderner, one pint) is about $7. Two 3-packs of sandpaper (heavy and fine grit) are about $8. So, that's about $50 plus some hard work.

[ChaseBug]

Good luck to you! Did you ever get a quote? I may stop by an auto shop on my way home for work. My scratches are below the lights under the bumper but they really bug me. Hope the fix works for you