So I messed up... (help w/ bumper repair)

[python]

To cut a long story short, last week I reversed into a spot at home before going on a trip and turned the car off leaving it in R, which I never do.
When I started it, and I felt myself roll backward, I thought it was due to lack of acceleration - but of course you can see where this is going.

As a result I have a (pretty minor) scuff on the rear bumper, inc a scrape on the rear right hand taillight (I can provide pics if required).

The taillight seems cheap and easy to replace ($50 from Holmart?) so that seems like a no brainer. Not sure what to do about the scrape though. Are bumper scrapes something that can be easily repaired, or is it better to bite the bullet and find a new one?
This is the first time I've run into anything in the 11yrs since I've started driving, and it had to be in my brand new baby!


I have no issue spending the money required to fix this, would prefer to not have to make an insurance claim though - all I want is my brand new car to be 'brand new' again

Having never crashed or repaired anything - suggestions on where to go to ask for quotes and things in Sydney? (I'm near Strathfield). Anyone on these forums do any kind of work like this? (I'd rather give business to someone who's a nice guy than a random)

Your help is greatly appreciated in advance...

[calais24/7]

I'd get some pics up of the damage, i didnt think auto's started in gear?

[Wongy295]

Yeah, I know my automatic Lumina doesn't start unless in P.

[python]

It's not an Auto. In this one instance I guess I wish it was. Aww well. +1 to ****ups.
I'll grab a pic in a minute

[Darcon666]

Yep... Pics would also be good to see what/how big the damage is?

As for repairer near you.... go for a drive down Cosgrove RD, plenty on good shops or call your insurer as they have shops they ONLY deal with.

[python]

Pics:


Damage done to the panel is pretty minor, any suggestions are appreciated. Not sure the best way to approach it. Would prefer to solve outside of insurance for something so minor, even though I have max no claim bonus I don't really want my premium to skyrocket next year :\

Thanks in advance

[calais24/7]

my mate had an old shitty laser that he scraped, he had some marks and scuffing on his headlight, i used cut and polish and it came up ten times better then what it was, Im not sure if it's safe for the plastic though. So before you do anything i'd check first. I cant even really see that damage, it shouldn't cost much to fix

[python]

They might help a bit more, some of the reflections make it hard to see.

And yeah, I agree, I'm thinking even a serious cut/polish might solve the paintwork problems (+ new taillight), but would rather it gets fixed up properly.

I'll just go back to kicking myself for being a retard...

[calais24/7]

well if you are definatly going to buy a new tailight then i guess using a cut and polish on your old one just for the time being can't hurt.

[tomholzy]

if there is no change in the shape of the bumper, then just a cut & polish is all you need (thats wat it looks like), though if the bumper has actually been deformed or pushed in its a bit more serious

Mate Id just try a cut & polish yourself first and if that doesnt work try a fix-it-guy or mobile dent repairer

[R60]

PM sent. This guy is fantastic.

[python]

Thanks heaps for the PM mate. I'll give him a call, but he might laugh at me when he sees how little damage there is.

I gave it a hit with some quick detailer I had around and a bit of elbow grease after the regular wash/dry, managed to get almost all of it gone, to the point where I don't think you'd see it unless you were looking real close.

The tail light is cracked though, so I'll order a new one of them, is Holmart the best way to go, or are there others around? Not sure how much they charge for shipping, but $50 for an alleged genuine part seems like a steal.

(I'm after a replacement genuine right hand side SV6 sedan tail light - anyone got one they want to flog cheap after upgrading to aftermarket tail lights? :-D

I'm so much happier than I was after I did it, thanks for the suggestions and support, and the PM, I'll still give him a call to see if there's an easy way to get it back to ~perfect.


Much better

[TinSnips]

from the photos, looks to me like the rest of that will buff out fairly easily.
Good luck!

[astroham]

well i can give you a set of sv6 tailights if you want to wait a couple of weeks ... just about to order my new led ones so i will have a pair sitting around

[astroham]

also im in penrith so not to far away

[python]

Thanks heaps to @astroham for the replacement stock RHS tail light. She's back in shape now, muuuch better.

[RUF-60L]

oh i had one one of those, didnt even think of it. i actually have the fronts and rear stock lights sitting in the same room as me lol

[python]

Haha good work, you could have made yourself a bit of quick cash!

[RUF-60L]

want a spare set??? >_> u never know, u could break one tomorrow!! lol