Expert: William Forster - 9/13/2007

Question
what kind of a job is it to replace a rear bumper cover on a 99 Cougar? The local body shop wants about 400 clams to replace it (not including the cost of the bumper cover).Also, the front bumper cover on this car has a v shaped break just ahead of the RF wheel.The break does not go to the edge of the bumper.I can bend and hold the bumper so the broken edges all meet,just wondering if there is an epoxy or something that a person could use to adhere and reinforce from the inside so as to repair this instead of a complete replacement like the rear needs.

Answer
Hey stephen! I can't see the damage to give you a proper damage assessment, and I don't do online estimates for folks. If you think this shop is overcharging you, go to another shop for additional estimates. Yes, bumper covers can sometimes be repaired, it's a matter of labor Vs. part cost. You also need to assess the longevety of such a repair, especially on a damage prone bumper on cars like cougars. Low cut sporty cars are constantly beating up front bumpers. Bill