This weekend something ran into my front bumper while I was going about 55 mph. The driver's side air dam has about three or four big cracks (breaks) in it and the fog light bracket broke. As far as I can tell, there are no big pieces missing. Before I take it to the body shop, I'd like to do a little background research.

Is this plastic trim (panel) something that can be fixed/repainted and stay fixed or should I demand a new piece? I would think that I should be able to get the part painted and everthing straight from GM. But, then again, that's too logical. The truck is a 2003 2500 HD CC in the standard Pewter. Does anyone have a part number that I can use to search the intenet for a replacement before visiting my local body shop. (This is the plastic lower bumper piece on the GMC picture in the site logo above.) All of the cracks are in the vicinity of the fog light.

Thanks! (This was originally posted in "Ask the Tech's")

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/551_trim.jpgEdited by: tundracamper

Tundra,

I recently damaged the same piece on my 03 Chevy. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif I was making a turn in a parking lot and hit one of those trailer hitch mounted utility carriers that stick out 2feet near the ground.

I called dmaxallitech and he ordered me a new one for a very reasonable price. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif It's one piece and looks easy to replace.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Tundra


The piece can be fixed and stay fixed but it isnt cost effective for the repair shop to fix it. It's cheaper for them to replace the part and there's less chance of having a customer complain about the quality of the repair if the part is new. The part is real easy to replace yourself. I think there's actually a section in your owners manual on removing this piece for more ground clearance or to add a plow. It's a few plastic fasteners that you remove and it falls off. You may want to call dmaxallitech and see if he can have one painted and shipped to you.