Front Bumper Scratched on my 2007 F430

How many of you guys have kept your Ferrari's front bumper scratch-free? Here are pics of both the left and right front-bumper from my 2007 F430. What's the best way to repair the damage...repaint? What does it run to repaint the bottom or the whole bumper? From a distance it's not very noticeable unless you come up close or look under the bumper. I'm debating between making the repair of just leaving as is since most likely I'll scratch it up again.

And advice would be appreciated.

Alan
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It's rare that these cars (Ferrari's in general) don't have this condition. Cars are low and it's impossible to avoid the steep entry to some locations.

I would just get some paint as literally brush it on the bottom side to fill the white with red. Do get the proper color paint though.

As you said, it's going to happen again.

 

Paint it and then put skid guards on

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A good shop can blend that at the crease, IMO.

Otherwise they have to take It off and repaint the whole thing, as large as this piece is, expensive.
I could spend $4K doing the one on my last TransAm.
Red would be more $$

But this could get fixed and be unnoticable, and as some mention they have skid plates.

 

Mine looks the exact same. Can't be seen unless you're under the car, might as well leave it.

 

Unavoidable. Get these,install and forget. Repainting would be a waste, because it will just happen again.

https://www.ricambiamerica.com/skd-430-pe-f430-skid-plates-in-polyethylene.html

 

I had skid plates installed on my F430. They helped prevent this.

 

I have skid plates, but they were put on after a few of these scrapes. Virtually impossible to avoid them if you drive the cars.

 

Yes I agree here. The F430 does have a long over hang. The 458 was less of a problem.

But the skid plates do give you some warning in tight situations.

 

OK, I see this happening to most F-cars. I get it, they're low.

My issue is that adding the skid plates makes them that much lower. I know that they are widely positively regarded, but they're best installed on a freshly repainted bumper, correct? There's no point installing them on a damaged car like the OP has, right?

 

Personal preference.. truly

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So I had this exact debate about putting skid plates on before I put them on. And you are correct. It makes the chances of hitting something greater by about 10mm or so.

But what I found is that they tend to in the right situations slightly bend UP the bumper (which is flexible) and help avoid some scratches. And, they can be a warning to you also so you can back out before completely scratching everything underneath.

I had fewer scratches underneath after installing them than before installing them. And, I could clearly see that the skid plates had indeed gotten scratched from time to time.

Skid plates are not the entire answer. But IMO, it was more of a help than hurt. The question is by how much.

 

The 355 skid plates we produce are only 1/4" thick. Yes, installing them after the damage is a bit foolish.

 

Alright, so the front bumper needs to be resprayed on my parent's car as well then. The next step will be Dave's skid plates, installed while the cover is off.

Thankfully, my dad has a great relationship with a local shop that does exquisite work (they repainted his '65 E-Type to concours quality), so when the tie comes, they'll get the call. Better yet, we can bring just the bumper to them, and pick it up when done.

 

Yes.. fix it first then install.

 

Talked to the great guy at the Ferrari dealership who told me to bring in the car next week. He said it happens all the time and they'll fix it for around $350. Sounds like a great deal.

 

He is correct!

 

I guess what I was saying here is that depending on the type/make of skid pads and the coverage they provide against the scratches that are there .. you may consider it if only a scratch or two left behind and want to not have a repainted bumper

This is especially true of tricoat paints .. which I believe is not your case but as for me I rather have a few visible scratches underneath the car after placing skid pads then see I shade different on color

I always heard no matter how good a tricolor resprayed bumper is you will always see the difference

So how much of the damage will be visible after installing skid plates

Seems silly to me to fix it only to be covered and if you remove skid pads in the future probably will need to be repaired anyway



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That sounds ridiculously cheap. If I had to guess, they will simply mask at the crease and spray color and then clear. I would assume they will not be doing any prep work. Just make sure you understand what they are going to do; in other words set your expectations appropriately.

 

Words taken right from my mouth

 

Happens for sure and has too me. I had my 07 F430 spider re-sprayed and it’s not gonna hurt value. Just document everything and why it was down and also a very reputable body shop that works with F cars is always a perk. Not the dealer though if you can avoid them that be best.

 

The front bumper on my 360 was cracked and scraped much worse than that by some idiot hit and run while parked. Of course, they did not leave a note. I carefully researched body shops in my area. They removed the bumper, repaired the crack in the fiberglass, and resprayed the entire bumper. I documented everything and paid cash out of pocket. It was only $1400 and the result was flawless. I disclosed the repair when I sold the car. At least the OP’s damage is self inflicted (I assume). I would have been much happier paying for the repair had I been the one who did the damage.

 

Very common, don't beat yourself up about it. If anything, wear it as a badge of honor that you drive the car!! As others have said easy to fix and rectify. Best wishes.

 

Just a quick update...I had the local Ferrari Dealership repaint the bottom front bumper for $900. The $350 was phone estimate and of course once the car came in the price went up since they identified more damage. It was worth it since I cant tell the difference and they did a nice job matching up the color. They even fixed up some small damage to the rear bottom diffuser fin. Thank you for all the feedback!

 

Are you going to add skid plates? I have a spare set, hard abs plastic that can be drilled onto or 3M on.