BuddyWh

My 2k1 Sterling Mist Maxima got blasted with pea-size gravel yesterday and insurance has agreed to refinish the front bumper, hood and one fender (and replace headlights and windshield... but I'll probably 'trade' these to cover deductible.) Does the flexible bumper get painted with the same paint and clear-coat used for metal body panels? Is there anything special I should make sure the body shop does for re-finishing the bumper?

Is there a special type of clear coat I could specify to get a tougher finish than stock?

Also... I'll want to protect the new finish in the future, but don't want to grind it up with a bra. I've read of a product made by 3M, a tough, clear, plastic film that can be applied over the paint finish. It comes custom cut for various cars, inluding the hood leading surface and bumper of 2K+ Maxima's. Does anyone know where to get this? How hard it is to apply?

Thanks in advance for the help...

BuddyWh

UMD_MaxSE

iTrader: (1)

as far as I know, it is the same paint and clear coat used on the sheet metal. Make sure they strip the old paint and sand it down...

Y2KMaxGXE-R

iTrader: (4)

dont worry too much about it, because most bodyshops give you a limited lifetime warranty on the paint, and guarantee the match. Just pick a reputable bodyshop and you won't go wrong. I would not put on either 3m film or a bra for about a week becasue the finish has to properly dry. I think that paint is not 100% settled after the car leaves the shop.

Were your front lights/windshield damaged too?