Not good at all...

Thanks for the encouragement, guys. The bumper debate's a non-issue here. What I hit was an inverted U-shaped pole, and it hit in such a way that the center of it nailed the quarter panel extension. The bumper escaped untouched... So many "what-ifs" I'm trying not to think about. One of them is the fact that my trunk was so loaded with tools that it lowered the bumper just enough for this to happen the way it did.

I wasn't 100% thorough, but I did do the magnet test and at the moment I think this is the only major bondo on the car. I'm going to get it fixed. I think I have to. Wife says I have to, and that was a surprise.

If I want it done soon though, I have to do it myself. So it's time to really learn about body work. I've done minor things but this is far from minor, and I'm not going to accept a halfassed job, so I've got to learn some metalworking.

 

I'm thinking that any attempt you do should only reduce the experts time, maybe. Good luck with it.

 

some shops actually charge more if you have tried to fix it yourself,so dont tell them if you take it in.

 

May not want to tell them you backed it into a pole either... Tell them it got bumped in a parking lot or something.

 

Here's a picture of a "invisible" guard pole!




As you can see it too got damage!

 

That's the shop I won't be leaving my car at. I can see if I made a bigger mess, but if I pull out a dent and it now does not need anything but some sanding, well... But I understand what your saying. I just don't agree with those guys. I don't agree with paying for a rotate if i'm already paying for a 4 wheel balance.
Now, back to the topic

 

why not. give it a try I did and am starting to get the hang of it, but just take your time with it. you'll get it worked out.

 

OMG, I almost ran into it.

 

Im going to argue for misinformation sake. The bumpers do attach to the frame as i think all would, But the mounts are not solid or "very stiff" There is actually a crumple zone piece made into the mount, Surrounded by compressed rubber. I have used these once before when i hit the bridge. They compressed like they were supposed to do and in turn saved my rear quarter panel as well as my front fender. With no frame damage. I didn't mean to start the bumper thing again, But if he would have had them, As far as they stick out, Might have saved some damage. Who knows maybe not. But i am one of the BIG BUMPER GUYS and I'm going to take up for them any chance i get. I also have a parts car that could sacrifice the rear quarter if need be. Since your not that far away might be worth your wild.

 

+1

My big rear bumper saved my 77 back in 93 or 94. The bumper shocks did their job.

 

I can see both points.

 

it happens to all of us

before and after the concrete wall in my drive way kicked the car lol

 

Sorry about your car. I know it herts but it can be repaired. Take it to a body man and ask for the best way it can be repaired. Good luck I hope they can take care of you.

 

I'm sorry to hear about this. But anything is fixable, right? I agree with others - see how much other bondo is in the car and go from there. You can fix that quarter.

 

Mine must be rusted solid then, because they didn't give at all, but the frame sure as hell did.