New Bumper

[Dee]

Hi everyone; I just want too ask if anyone has ever had their "BUMPER" painted?
I was in an accident last week and I was hit in the rear. I was told by my appraiser that the 1/4 panel is damaged as well as the reverse lights & lens and the bumper ( I was told it is called a "cover" ???) They (the company) that hit me is paying for any damage done to my car (thank God).

I would like to know how much a NEW BUMPER would be and also how much would it be too have it painted the same color as my car (cranberry). What is the bumper made of?
Will the PAINT take to its surface (because of the texture)?
I know I'll hear from someone out there, because this is the best PT FORUM that's on the net

I want to say thanks again Happy trails to all.

DLF

[cokebear1]

Didn't I hear that if you order a new bumper that it already comes painted now? All 2004 PTs come with painted bumpers, so if you ordered a 2004 bumper it would be painted already. I don't think they've made any changes that would prevent a 2004 bumper from fitting an older year PT, is there? I think most 2003 bumpers were painted too, except for the base model. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[PT_Sean]

The "bumper" that is referred to here lots is actually the bumper COVER! The actual bumper, say on the rear, is a metal bar BEHIND the cover! The cover is also jammed with styrofoam for low-speed impacts and more protection.

Many bodyshops with actuall sand down the pebbly surface, right down to the rubber/plastic, apply a leveller, then paint over that.

The front "bumper cover" is a lot larger then one might think- the lower fascia, and "bumper" is all ONE PIECE!! That will be $$ to replace. The rear cover includes the lower fascia and the sides right to the wheel wells. Again, its larger than it appears.

Race and Street sell bumper COVERS! You can get them pre-painted also at a reasonable price. 2 Screws, some dbl sided tape, you are all set!!

I am a little concerned about the rear-ender though- was the bumper cover pulled OFF and was the styrofoam inspected? If it is cracked, IT MUST BE REPLACED!! Also, was the actual steel bumper compromised (dented)?? If so, REPLACE REPLACE REPLACE!!!

cheers

[at58]

I don't think all 2004 bumpers are painted. Might want to check into that.

[PT Ted]

I think it is just the GTS that are being painted. I could be wrong.

[cokebear1]

I did a search here on the board about the bumper covers coming painted on the 2004s. Here is what I found:

Chrysler has announced the details of changes made for the 2004 PT Cruiser.
Highlights include:
New 180hp turbo engine as a mid-range alternative to the base 2.4l and the high-output 220hp turbo, available with automatic transmission only
Expanded list of changes on the Chrome Package (now includes bright pedals and a new leather-wrapped steering wheel with Satin Silver painted spokes)
Standard lift-gate mounted spoiler on the PT Turbo (optional on all other PT models)
Base model PT's now come standard with body-colored front and rear bumpers as well as Sentry-key engine immobilization
New aluminum wheel/touring group available on base PT's
New disc front/drum rear ABS system available on all models of PT
PT's ordered with Turbo engines have available the front/rear disc with ABS and traction control
A leather-trimmed interior with specially bolstered performance seats becomes standard on 2004 PT Turbo models, as do the power moon roof and 17-inch chrome-plated aluminum wheels. A leather-wrapped steering wheel with bright silver painted spokes, a new bright pedal package, chrome door lock knobs and a new “2.4L Turbo High Output" liftgate badge are standard as well
New exterior color options for 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser models are Deep Plum Pearl Coat, Bright Seamist Green Metallic Clear Coat and Cool Vanilla Clear Coat

I knew I'd read it somewhere!

[StOnEwHiTePt]

Go to this site Chryslerpartsdirect.com they sell the new 03 bumper covers painted from the factory in the $200 range each bumper.

[Juicy]

I had the same 'opportunity'...!!

My sister-in-law backed into my front bumper and put a hitch-ball hole in it...MOD TIME !!!

For the same price as getting as new entire front bumper from the dealer, I was able to get painted bumper covers from Race and Street, and install myself.

You could also go with new Euro Lights, etc...you have lots of options here to do some mods, especially when some one else is picking up the tab !!!

good luck

[Turbo]

If insurance is picking up the tab go to a good body shop and get an estimate. I'm sure they will want to replace the cover and the plastic foam backing. Ask them to estimate a 2004 bumper.
Since they have to mask and spray the grey bumper, they should be glad to paint the whole thing.
You may be dealing with one of those @#$%$ companies that demands used parts. FIGHT!!

[Dee]

I want to thank all who have answered my request. I will take heed and have it looked at by a body shop pro and get an estimate (when I'm feeling better---I hurt my back & neck in the accident, so I've been very, very sore)

I would like something "different" on my car for new MODS.
If anyone has any ideas, just let me know. I appreciate all the information from everyone. You're great people to connect with.
Thanks so much











Dee