[Theseus161]

I dinged my Forester 2.5i limited front bumper today and need to buy a new one. Do they come in painted? Would I have to have it painted/matched to my cars color?
Thank you

 

[Miker104]

From Subaru they are not painted. Depending on the year/model some places do sell painted ones.

Check ebay

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Painted-to-Match-Front-Bumper-Cover-for-2014-2018-Subaru-Forester-XT-14-18-/331880896702

 

[Theseus161]

Thanks but those aftermarket bumpers don’t look very good. I’m buying OEM. Looking for a pro to do paint match. Here in NASHVILLE, Subaru parts are more expensive than my LI, NY Northcoast Subaru dealer. $205 vs $311 here.

My insurance deductible is $500, so if I can find a good automotive painter for under $300, I’ll pay out of pocket. I can reinstall the bumper myself.

 

[Theseus161]

Does a body shop need to keep my car just to paint a new bumper? Can’t they paint it using the color code then install later?

 

[subaru3169]

They don't need the vehicle unless they paint match. If you don't care about that, then you can certainly drop off a part to have it painted and install it yourself later.

 

[Theseus161]

Thanks, I do want it to match. Does anyone here have a Forester disassembly diagram, Forester manual pdf file for the 2015 on how to remove the grille, fog lamps and associated front bumper and mud guards? Would be greatly appreciated.

The damage is not major, scraped a low brick retaining wall. Put a small hole and scrapes on front corner.

 

[zennoodle]

@Theseus161 You can find a replacement bumper plus diagrams on rockauto.com . I go there for a bunch of random car parts all the time.

 

[Theseus161]

Thanks. Buying oem bumper cover.
Having it professionally painted. He uses PPG auto paint but it’s just the bumper. I think the oem bumper comes primed in gray. Iirc, That’s what the Subaru parts department explained. The bare plastic is UDHP Or polyethylene, or some extruded plastic.

 

[zennoodle]

Thanks. Buying oem bumper cover.
Having it professionally painted. He uses PPG auto paint but it’s just the bumper. I think the oem bumper comes primed in gray. Iirc, That’s what the Subaru parts department explained. The bare plastic is UDHP Or polyethylene, or some extruded plastic.

Aftermarket is usually primer (grey) colored whereas factory is just the plastic molded bumper in black. That's what I have experienced in the past and noticed first hand. Either way you'll be ok. Since this is the bumper cover, make sure your shop uses flexible primer/paint as it will flex while driving.