Need to Know How To Approach Paint Repairs

[AaronP85]

I have a 2013 so I suspect Tesla may not have new bumpers laying around (pre refresh). My wife drove into my lawn mower and took a chunk out, looks like some plastic peeled back. I reached out to Tesla Service for an estimate on fixing it but I never received a response. What's the right way to have somebody fix this? Do I need a body shop to do it?

 

[AaronP85]

Well I just thought I would provide an estimate now since I got Tesla Service to look at it. They said the would have a difficult time matching color exactly for multiple reasons like aging and sun fading, and they'd recommend replacing the entire front bumper rather than repainting the old one.

Ready for the shocker?! Estimated at $1700. New front bumper with paint and new valence.

Next I'll take it to a local shop and see what they'll say about it.

 

[2101Guy]

Sounds about right on their estimate for bumper replacement.

However, a GOOD body shop can do a plastic weld process, smooth, sand, spot blend. Will be barely noticeable after completed.
Process to fix the hole/Crack is seen here. After this is done, they sand/spray it to blend.

My guess is cost is 1/2 of what Tesla is charging

 

[AaronP85]

Tesla Service just called back and said their own estimate is too high. Interestingly enough, they said they are going to reevaluate the price of the repair and get back to me.

 

[AaronP85]

thanks for the video - that was pretty cool. Actually the scuff on my car isn't deep at all, might get away with the flexible filler he used at the end.

 

[Tiger]

Just ignore it ... that way you won't feel so sad about the next one.