[AstroKats]

Hi Everyone!

We just acquired a low-mileage 2012 Elantra GLS and it's in great shape except for a ding in the front bumper. I took it to a body shop today and was shocked at the estimate ($852). Just the part (i.e. the front bumper) is $300. Can these bumpers can be repaired (e.g. pop out the dent after softening with a heat gun)?

I've attached a pic. The bumper is still fully attached.

 

[grcauto]

Heat it up and push it out from behind. You're not going to make it look good without painting.

 

[AstroKats]

Heat it up and push it out from behind. You're not going to make it look good without painting.

Thanks for the prompt response! I'll try that tomorrow and see if I can get some before and after pics. I'm not looking for showroom condition, just a nicer appearance that doesn't cost more than 10% of the car's value, LOL.

It's replacing a Honda Accord that we had ten years so I expect we'll keep it for a while...

 

[AstroKats]

One more question regarding the cosmetics...

Has anyone tried steam cleaning the seats? Just wondering if that's a viable option to brighten up the car, versus getting seat covers.

 

[grcauto]

It'll be nicer than that indentation and if you get it nice and warm it should go back to normal shape OK.

Can't really tell by the picture if the black is transfer or not but I think it may be and you may do well to get a rubbing compound and see if you can rub it out and polish. If it is transfer you can make it look pretty good with some elbow work and a little money for rubbing compound and polish.

 

[AstroKats]

It'll be nicer than that indentation and if you get it nice and warm it should go back to normal shape OK.

Can't really tell by the picture if the black is transfer or not but I think it may be and you may do well to get a rubbing compound and see if you can rub it out and polish. If it is transfer you can make it look pretty good with some elbow work and a little money for rubbing compound and polish.

My "heat gun" is Other AstroKat's high-end hair dryer (but only when she's not looking). It works for shrink tubing, smart phone screens, etc. Now I have a fun project for Saturday...

 

[AstroKats]

Well, I didn't have much luck popping out the dent without removing the entire bumper, which is more than I wanted to tackle today. Also, the black marks are where the paint got scraped off so it will have to go to a body shop anyway - I'll get some more quotes on Monday.

The only other cosmetic issue is the seats. Has anyone tried steam cleaning to get rid of marks, spills, etc.? Or is it best to look for covers (in which case, any recommendations)?

 

[grcauto]

Can't help you with the interior but the $852 quote for a new bumper cover and paint is not bad.

 

[Myke212]

Which color interior? I had the tan seats and never could get them clean. I just got a good set of seat covers off amazon, and covered then up. I think they looked better that way.

 

[AstroKats]

Which color interior? I had the tan seats and never could get them clean. I just got a good set of seat covers off amazon, and covered then up. I think they looked better that way.

Yeah, they're light tan and looking pretty grubby. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Myke212]

I found a set, on Amazon,by FH Group. They fit really well!

 

[Mainia]

Look around for a 'GOOD" bodyman that works out of his garage or is in a small office/warehouse park and use an aftermarket bumper cover and NOT a "Certifit" brand that don't fit that good. A body man will know what cheaper covers fit good and cost less then OEM. Also look for local Junk yards with Car-Parts.com search engine. for one use done your exact color. I had a new one installed and painted with PPG paint and flex additive for $550 on my daughters 2005 Honda Civic by a by guy out of his garage who does hot rod cars too, so he is good. They are just hard to find, just start asking around with people you know if they know a any body guys. Call some local car clubs, they may know of a reasonably priced good guy. Corvette club/Porsche club/ Civic club /local autocross club.

 

[AstroKats]

Myke212, thanks, I found these that look like a good match, as the interior is also black and tan. Is this the kind you have?

"FH Group FH-FB030115-SEAT Light & Breezy Beige/Black Cloth Seat Cover Set Airbag & Split Ready"

Any issues with fit, the seat airbags, etc.?

Mainia, thanks, I got a referral from a local mechanic we've used for decades and he knows a guy...

 

[Myke212]

Myke212, thanks, I found these that look like a good match, as the interior is also black and tan. Is this the kind you have?

"FH Group FH-FB030115-SEAT Light & Breezy Beige/Black Cloth Seat Cover Set Airbag & Split Ready"

Any issues with fit, the seat airbags, etc.?

Mainia, thanks, I got a referral from a local mechanic we've used for decades and he knows a guy...

My Elantra was red, so I got the red and black ones. The color match was very close. They looked and fit great! The front seat bottoms used strap to hold them down, and the fit looked almost custom. My girlfriends is dark grey, so I got the grey and black for hers.
I recently traded mine in for a Tucson, and got the all black ones for it.

 

[AstroKats]

Just got the car home. My guy's guy quoted $350 cash to push out the dent and paint the bumper, and only $150 more to paint the rear one as well (a few minor dings and scrapes). So for $500, the car now looks like new! He's in Venice, CA, if anyone needs a referral.

 

[reus49]

That really looks good!

 

[AstroKats]

Just got the car home. My guy's guy quoted $350 cash to push out the dent and paint the bumper, and only $150 more to paint the rear one as well (a few minor dings and scrapes). So for $500, the car now looks like new! He's in Venice, CA, if anyone needs a referral.

Yeah, I was amazed, considering how distorted the bumper cover was:

 

[Propflux01]

Folex for the seats. Works wonders. Lowes sells it as well.

[ame]https://www.amazon.com/Folex-Carpet-Spot-Remover-32/dp/B001B0V5GG[/ame]

 

[Myke212]

Came out, looking great!

 

[grcauto]

Couldn't tell by the 'before' picture if the cover had any gouges or tears. Obviously it didn't or he did a good job of plastic welding. Looks good.