Re: How hard is it to get body parts
This may help you with some terms in regards to bumpers.
In the repaired bumper cover the work addresses only the problem spots such as cuts, crack, missing tabs, small or big holes, etc. After the repair is completed the repaired areas appear as primed spots with the color of the primer used such as black, light or dark gray. The primer is applied as protection in shipping and as before painting preparation.
In the refurbished bumper cover the work is done to the entire bumper cover. After repairing all problem areas if any the whole cover is sanded down by scuffing the existing paint so that the surface becomes more abrasive, not shining. This is done so that the primer sticks better to it. It is better and more complete preparation for painting. The completed refurbished bumper cover appears as new.
For the inexperienced person it may look like the completely refurbished bumper cover will be the better choice. We disagree. In the refurbished cover the work has to be exactly right. Every little corner and curve must be scuffed perfect before priming in order for the paint to stick well. It work is time consuming and expensive. Then the “correct” type of primer must be used. Every body shop technician has its own idea of “the correct primer” to be used before painting. And finally after priming the cover all repairs become invisible to the untrained eye. It becomes easier to hide careless work.