Would removing the bumperettes void your insurance?

RickKlem · 06-29-2003, 03:35 PM

I searched a few threads today regarding how to remove the ugly bumperettes from the rear bumper of the 77s .

In researching this idea I came across a different thread regarding a rear end crash and the statement was made " well at least the bumperettes did their job, and the insurance company should take care of things."

My question is, If I remove the bumperettes and someone hits me, will the insurance company give me a hard time about the amount of damage because " you removed the part of the bumper"? Or will they try to blame all the damage on me, because I removed the the ugly bumps protruding from the rear of my car?

Just a thought
Rick

RickKlem · 06-29-2003, 05:25 PM

Okay,

I went out tonight and tried to remove one of the pads just to see what it would look like. I removed the three nuts on the backside that holds the Bumperettes on, and I pulled, pushed, hit, pryed and tuged on them.

There on pretty good. Now , let me guess, I need to buy the "special pad removel tool" for $250.00 that I can only buy from Porsche!

Not to sound like an A@@, but I've had a bad day at work, and was looking forward to a simple project of removing three nuts and the pad would come right off. NOT!!!
Are these things glued on with something or is there a "trick" to getting them off? I did not want to pull too hard and brake something.

Thanks
Rick

Tyson Schmidt · 06-29-2003, 05:47 PM

If that's the case, then the next 911 I see without it's bumperettes, I'm going to rearend as hard as I can, and collect the insurance money!!

Now, does that make sense? Hell no. Of course they couldn't blame you for having non-standard bumpers. If you get rearended, it's their fault. Period.

Mike Feinstein · Mike Feinstein's Garage

Rick,

It sounds like you did everything right. The pad is probably just stuck to the bumper from being on there so long. It's also possible that your bumper was repainted some time in the past and they reinstalled your pads before the paint was completely hard (just a guess).

If you have room, gently tap the end of one of the mounting studs with a hammer (or a drift), to help separate the pad from the bumper. Hope this helps. Don't forget that you'll need to disconnect your license plate lights afterward. You can get some hole plugs at the hardware store to hide the exposed mounting holes. Looks best on a black car.

RickKlem · 06:40 PM

Mike ,
Thanks, I will keep trying tommorow night.

Tyson,

Let me rephrase the situation. Some one rearends me, they pull off (hint and run) my insurance has to cover the damage, they are going to try and give me a hard time because all of the factory saftey items are not on the car.
Or the person that hit me does not have insurance on there auto. Thats not that uncommon in Georgia or Alabama. Yes both states require it but , 10's of 1000's of drivers do not have coverage, which leaves my insurance company to pay for the damage . Which in turn they will try to hassle me for . Period

I'm not saying that they will, I'm just asking if they can. Is it a law that the bumpers have to be on the car?

Rick

Tyson Schmidt · 06-29-2003, 07:29 PM

I see what you're saying Rick. But those bumpers are only rated for a 5mph impact, so anything above that, and there'll be damage anyway. But, as crooked as insurance companies are, they'll look for any reason not to pay a claim, so I can understand your worry.

Dantilla · 06-29-2003, 08:54 PM

A local guy with an SC has been bumped three times in the rear. Every time, its "Oh no! I just hit a Porsche!"

No damage. Those pads do their job for slow speed bumps. I'd be wary of removing them on a car that sees lots of city traffic.

Jgordon · 06-29-2003, 09:58 PM

Might have been my thread you found. Idiot rear-ended me. I think the bumperettes are ugly as hell, but they do a good job.

I doubt you'll get hassled too badly by the insurance company, but here's a more pertinent question: If you're rear-ended, would you rather have the (admittedly somewhat ugly) bumperettes protecting you, or would you rather have the damage done to your car that they might have prevented?

Jared

RickKlem · 06-30-2003, 03:13 AM

Well said Jared!

Formerly Steve Wilkinson · 06-30-2003, 04:08 AM

If you do try to knock them off by hitting the studs with anything, first put a nut about 90 percent of the way onto them, so youdon't ruin the threads--it'll only take a few taps directly on the stud to do that--in case you ever want to replace the bumperettes. (Mine went in the trash.)

Stephan

Paco Anton · Paco Anton's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by RickKlem
Let me rephrase the situation. Some one rearends me, they pull off (hint and run) my insurance has to cover the damage, they are going to try and give me a hard time because all of the factory saftey items are not on the car.

You can always say that the bumperettes were destroyed in the collision

KTL · 06-30-2003, 05:22 AM

If the bumperettes are highly rusted inside, they're going to be less effective.

Either way they're going to save you a little bit of damage to the bumper. But like Tyson said, they're only useful for light impacts. Anything significant and those pads are going to be trashed.

I removed mine because I couldn't stand them anymore. They're monstrous! They seem especially large on a non-black car in my opinion.

I've got a spare bumper that I plan to have the holes for the bumperettes filled in. Should make for a nice, clean look.

alan911 · 06-30-2003, 05:47 AM

You may want to reconsider removing them. I got rear-ended twice. 10-15 mph at a light. Both times it saved the bumper, reflector, engine panel (where the decals are), trunk lid and latch. Major bucks in time and parts. Of course, just make damn sure that the guy's bumpers that hit you match up with yours.

John Brandt · 06-30-2003, 07:11 AM

the special removal tool only costs a couple of bucks. it's called a rubber mallett. just give 'em a whack and they'll be loose enough to pull off
It doesn't hurt them at all