So I bought a new 06 sports bumper and had a reputable body shop paint it about a year ago. The body shop is the one recommended by the dealer and comes with warranty against peeling, etc.

A few months ago I had a clear bra installed no problem.

However, just recently I noticed that in the corner area where the bumper meets the quarter panel, there is a chip or peel, from what looks like too much pressure being applied to b/w the bumper and auarter panel (The "gap" b/w the bumper and quarter panel is next to nothing where the bumper meets the panel, but gets larger going the other way). The other side is perfect)

Actually, the same thing happened to my rear bumper when I owned a RSX (brand new), the dealer paid to have a shop repaint it b/c they said the bumper and panel were too close together. Even if the shop agrees to fix, I dunno who's gonna eat the cost on the removing and replacing the clear bra (unless repair can be sone w/out removal).

I was told to bring the car by the shop for a manager to take a look, but I just wanted to post some pics, and get ur all opinion on it. Thanks!







Other Side (no defect)

 

poor install on the OEM bumper (or any bumper) will cause fenders to chip bumper..

shop SHOULD take care of it.. bring it back.. but u just bumed out on your clear bra

- Eric

 

Looks like poor prep in that area.

On another note. That clear bra is horrible.

 

hmmm, so if the shop refuses to fix it, and I do nothing, will it get worse? Even if they do fix it for me, looks like I'm eating the cost of the clear bra

also, the car and clear bra are really dirty in the pic, It looks fine when clean. I believe the material is avery.

 

it wont get worst anytime soon but you better readjust that bumper before installing again

- Eric

 

Its in a area that should be easy to touch up and hide if they don't want to fix it. A good shop should take care of you though. Depending on which way they fix it the bra may not be a problem.

On the bra I was referring to the uneven and large gaps. If a shop did this I would ask for it to be fixed while your at it. Those edges should be real tight and even with the panels.

 

Body shop manager stated the issue is due to improper clearance b/w the fender and bumper--flexing causing rubbing. But, they claimed they painted and installed the bumper correctly and the bumper must be defective, and said the clips cannot be repositioned.

The bumper was bought brand new through the body shop from the local Infiniti dealership. This dealership (where I bring my car to) is actually a "sister company" to the body shop. The dealer recommends all repairs be done by the body shop. So, the body shop said they would not fix it but would "touch up" the area if I chose.

However, even "touching up" the area will not resolve the issue, w/out reinstalling the bumper/clips correctly so the rubbing does not occur. IMO, cracking might be next if the issue is not taken care of. Also, they told me the parts was under warranty and should be replaced, but they would not make the claim for me. So I told them I was going to talk to the dealer.

So I went to my dealer and spoke to the Service Manager. He said that how it's going to go down is that in a few weeks he will have an Infiniti rep, the dealership owner, and the body shop owner get together and look at the bumper to resolve the issue. Someone shoudl take responsibility and fix the issue.

I paid ~900 for the bumper and paint job (which is a lot) and to have this happen 8 months later is unacceptable imho. Hopefully, the Service Manager and Infiniti rep will have enough pull to make the body shop repair the bumper or order and paint me a new one.

The other issue is the clear bra, which costs $300 for the bumper alone, if it has to come off to fix/repaint the bumper, I really hope/expect that the dealer/bodyshop covers the cost of putting on a new clear bra.

The meeting will be sometime in early June. I hope it gets resolved amicably.