I can't prove it, but it looks like the landscapers at work were trimming the hedges next to my baby, and somehow managed to drop the trimmer on the nose of the hood, putting a ding in the center ridge, and then scraping down to the metal with five big scratches (teeth from trimmer?). I almost cried...but I know some of you have seen even worse. :cry:

Anyway, went to the dealer and got an estimate:

Hood medallion (Chrysler wings) needs to be replaced because you have to break off the tabs on the old one so you can't put the old one back on (according to dealer): $101 for the part.

Add another $25 for primer and paint (they're going to feather in the area...not paint the whole hood) plus another $700 in labor and tax for a grand total of $825! And no free rental while it's in the shop for four days... boo hoo. :cry:

Has anyone removed the front hood medallion? If you remove it, how does it look? Is the paint underneath ok, or would they have to touch it up? It saves me $100, but it's no longer stock...

:?: What do you all think? Should I take off the front badging?