What to do when a car panel is missing
A hole, a missing section or a part hanging off is past repair. There is nothing left to fill or weld back to. On a bumper, the mounting tabs behind it are usually broken too.
What kind of repair does it need?
A new part, painted to match and fitted. On a bumper, that means the whole bumper cover, not a section.
A new bumper cover or panel is painted to match before it goes on. Genuine and aftermarket parts both exist and can fit differently. Sensors, cameras and washers in the old part must be moved across.
What to do next
Ask for a price on an aftermarket part as well as a genuine one. Compare the two prices. If the part holds parking sensors, a camera or headlight washers, say so, because they must be moved to the new part. This is often insurance territory, so get the number before you decide.
Sources
- KH Automotive Collision Repairrepairer
It should be replaced, however, if the crack goes through a mounting point, the plastic is torn or missing, the damage is over a radar or camera housing, or if the cover has already been repaired in…
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