I have a 99 Maxima GLE and it is rusting from the bottom of the quarter panels. This is very unfortunate as I have always kept it in a heated garage and washed it very often. Anyway, I am going to breakdown and do some repairs.

First of all, I loaned the car to a friend who claims he "accidentally" (more like carelessly) drove over a parking block. The front bumper cover and all the wiring is now separate. In other words, he came back with it in the back seat. I want to buy a pre-painted bumper cover off ebay that way I can bolt the new one on my self and not have to pay a shop double for the parts and labor. Here is my question: Will there be a significant difference in color between the bumper cover and the original paint on the car (they are supposed to paint it to match using the paint code)?

My second question is about Maaco. If I skip the pre-painted service and just buy a primed part and put it on, then take the whole car to Maaco and have them paint the entire car, will they do a decent job? Will they fix the rust damage in their basic package? What package should I ask for that will take care of every thing innexpesively? Has anyone delt with Maaco? Is there a better place I can take it to with out paying an arm and a leg? I really need to fix this as any maxima owner knows that the license plate, the turn signals, and the parking lights are all on the front bumper.

Thanks for any help!

 

The reason it's rusting is the heated Garage.

 

the bumper needs to be painted on the car.. this way they will blend in the paint so it will match the rest of the car. If you paint it off the car, the bumper will be brighter than the rest of the car.

Maaco is shiet, only if you know a good painter there and seen his work then maybe youll get a good job. it depends on THAT CERTAIN macco shop. Some maaco shops up here are good, some of them paint over your keyhole and glass. You need to find an experience painter and keep talking to him and give him some money in his pocket in advance

my boy has a show car that has been painted at maaco, but the only reason it looks good is because he kept talking to the guy in advance alot. He paid about 1500 for the paintjob, but the car loooks daam good. If i were to take my car to maaco i would prer the car myself. ie, sand it down, tape it up, take off the bumpers and headlights so they do a good job around the corners..

but other than that find a better paint shop

 

Oh yeah...MAACO is not the answer. If you were to have the car repainted after taking it to Maaco, you would end up paying more than double for the new job. Where they get you is the employees make approx. 30% of the total bill, so it's a quick in and out with them. Quanity not quality with them.

 

Buying one of thoes bumpers off e-bay fit like sh#t, there after market parts! Not OEM

 

Have the qtrs. fixed. The garage is not the reason why it rusted.

If you want to save some money, buy a CAPPA Certified aftermarket cover. Fitment is pretty good, if you want it perfect buy OEM. Do not buy a prepainted cover off Ebay.

Do not go to MAACO to have any of the work you need, especially the rust!!!!!!!

Go to a few body shops in your area and explain exactly what you'd like done. Don't put the bumper cover on, they would much rather paint it off the car. See which shop gives you a good impression and a fair price. If you get at least 3 quotes, you should know which one is the better quality deal by the work they have outlined, not just the price.

Keep one thing in mind, YGWYP4