Had someone back into me (and left), put a hole in the bumper cover. I don't believe the support is damaged. The cost at a body shop is going to be about the same as the deductible, so I thought about not turning it in to insurance and doing the work myself, buying a primed cover and getting it painted.

Is it difficult to remove the bumber cover, and are there special tools required? If anyone has any instructions, or can direct me to them, I would appreciate it. Also, I see the covers listed as "USA built" or "Japan built" at online websites. What's the difference other than price? Any chance of the less-expensive US built one not fitting correctly?

Thanks for the help!

Jeff

 

No. Parts vary between Camry models made in Japan and those assembled in Kentucky (USA). You must choose the right part.

Stick with Toyota OEM parts. Many of the online sources are selling aftermarket knockoffs which don't fit as well.

As for installing it, typically there are clips and push fasteners which hold the bumper cover on (very cheaply done), and removing all of these will usually allow you to pull the bumper cover off.

If you get the part from a Toyota dealer, have them include the exploded view of the bumper cover from the parts book and that should give you an idea how it all comes apart.

BTW: If you have a shop paint the bumper for you, you are looking at probably 400 bucks to do it right and blend a match. Add the bumper cover price of about 200 bucks from Toyota, and your time and it may be worth it to have a shop do it...all depends.