Accident repair and upgrades

Vipergrün · 03:27 PM

Well, the SC goes into the shop on Monday for repairs from an accident a week or so ago.

The front passenger quarter panel, bumper, hood, valance, and chin spoiler will need to be (should be) replaced.

I am thinking about upgrading to a fiberglass hood and adding a different front bumper. Do folks think the body shop will/can do these upgrades if the overall cost does not exceed the cost of OEM parts?

Which front bumper do you guys think will goes well on an SC on which the rear bumper will remain stock, but will have either a ducktail, RS America, or Euro RS tail. I saw this one at Vertex;

All input appreciated!

Vipergrün · 12-27-2002, 03:28 PM

Whoops, forgot the pic. Looks like this one retains the OEM bumber.

Lothar · Lothar's Garage

BB80SC,

While I have always liked the agressive look of the front valance in your picture, I am leary of the potential for damage to the integral splitter.

I prefer the cleaner look of the IROC bumper. This pic is on a wide body car but a narrow body equivalent is available. Also, this was a complete replacement of the impact bumper. If you really like the splitter, you can make a bolt on splitter from 1/8 inch aluminum.

Many body shops hate fiberglass work. I'm not sure why. As for the cost, you could probably get the whole bumper replaced in fiberglass for the cost of the original factory parts. Be forewarned though, this will lower the value of your car.

KevinP73 · 12-27-2002, 08:10 PM

Do you mind me asking which shop you decided to take your car to?

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

Brad, sorry to hear about the accident. The insurance company will give you a check. It is yours to do with what you want. No questions asked. The ycannot even make you get the car repaired.

Personally, and it has been my experiece, I would pick up the FG parts myself and take them in to be painted. You will save a bundle on the labor. Installation is simple providing you get good parts.

If you want to keep the rear bellow bumpers, I would suggest the RUF style lower valance. A more aggressive look with a provision for brake ducting and an oil cooler. It will also retain the bellow look to match the rear.

Todd Simpson · 12-27-2002, 09:28 PM

A few years ago I had a Jetta stolen and stripped but recovered the next day. I had it towed to a dealer, they worked up a pretty healthy estimate and my insurance company cut the check to me. I was able to save some money by tracking down used parts and doing some of the work myself. (The money I saved went to pay for the rental car and the personal items stolen) Maybe you can do something similar to get your stock parts fixed AND a fiberglass bumper for the front.

I like the look of the full Ruf front bumper like on Bill Verburg's car. The IROC look is cool too and works well with a front cooler.

Vipergrün · 12-28-2002, 11:45 AM

Thanks guys!

Kevin, I am going with EPR Collision in Camarillo based on the feedback I received in my other thread.

I keep going back and forth on the upgrade stuff. I may just stay stock since it's a fairly low-milage car in good original condition.

Also, the girl who hit me "doesn't remember" running a red light.
So the insurance has to determine who is at fault. I cannot believe this chick does not have the integtrity to admit fault as she did at the scene.

Lesson learned: NEVER leave the scene of an accident without filing a police report first!! The local police would not even let me file a report after the fact.

I decided to get this stuff done thru my insurance company and let them hash it out with the other guys.

Anyway......at this point I just want to drive the car. I fear a bent strut, so I have not been driving her......

surflvr911sc · surflvr911sc's Garage

Right side? I have a bent left strut that might match the right. Think of all the negative camber you could have! I know that's pobably not the best solution but if you wanted to try it you can have it. Good luck Brad. Is everything going to be done by Feb 8th?