Dinged while parked in airport. Any diy repair suggestions?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by fsu23phd, Jul 31, 2025 at 1:52 PM.

  1. fsu23phd

    fsu23phd Active Member

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    So I left my car parked in economy 3 parking at RDU Airport, and when I came back, it was damaged. Im not super worried, but id like to take a stab at a diy repair. At least id like to figure out how to get behind the bumper cover ahd ousb it back. Any youtube videos or instructions. Its a 2016 2 eco. Is it too late to try to color match touch up paint? Thanks!

    Fyi i did call the police and waited 1 hr for them to show up and tell me that there are no cameras. 20250730_183444.jpg
     
    #1 fsu23phd, Jul 31, 2025 at 1:52 PM
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2025 at 2:22 PM
  2. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    You don't have comprehensive insurance? Even if you have a deductible, say $250 or $500, it'll come out as good as new, or pretty close.
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Just idly curious, how much was the parking?

    Up here at YVR (greater Vancouver’s main hub) it’s insane: conditions, rules, price, you name it.

    ditto for hospital parking lots.

    sorry, I’m getting started.
     
  4. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Sorry to say this; it's right on the seam where the sheet metal meets the plastic bumper cover. There may be hidden damage behind the plastic bumper cover. It needs to be investigated. The rear plastic bumper cover needs to be removed for a closer inspection at a minimum.
    Using a heat gun will strengthen out the plastic bumper cover and perhaps a paint-less dent repair shop can take care of the sheet metal. The chipped paint; you'll have to live with or get it resprayed.

    Good Luck...
     
  5. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Get the bumper cover off, there are youtubes showing how. That'll be the first step no matter what repair method you choose.

    Once that's off, you are likely to find that a crease or dent in the metal is what is keeping the plastic bumper cover from naturally popping back out on its own.

    You can do some dolly & hammer work to get that metal straightened out, but you should know that it can take a while to develop good skills- this may not be the best opportunity to start learning. Then a bit of heat as described above and you can likely get the cover to pop back into shape.

    it's too bad the note they left on your window blew away.
     
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    You could post a notice on a pillar, asking for witnesses. Long shot.

    I'd second @xliderider post, asking about your insurance. That's be my first consideration.
     
  7. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    :D:LOL::ROFLMAO:o_O
    I've left my business card on a car that I broke just the side mirror glass on a very narrow street. The owner was pretty cool about it and only charged me the price of the OEM glass <$25. I just cut the guy a check. I don't understand what a low-life who wouldn't fess up to their mistake.....
    What a world and that's why we carry insurance.