Is anybody good with cars?

[Rondo2287]

On my way into work I stopped for gas.  After filling up I went to pull out of the lot and clipped the snowbank.  When I got to work, I took a look and the piece of molding underneath the rear passenger side door is somewhat detached.



you can see in the picture that its one Piece of molding stretching from the fron to the back. The front is still completely fine and the only part that is detached is that connected to the wheel well in the back.  It is not hanging at all just seperated.

I am taking it to the shop today, do you think they will need to order a new part or is it possible to save my molding and possibly some cash!


And help is greatly appreciated.

[nba is the worst]

Absolutely it can be reattached.

Most late model cars use plastic fasteners these days for these side moldings (and the ones under the front bumper, etc).

Some even use a ultra high bond double-sided tape.

Anyway, spring can't be too far now that we're at the allstar break!

[Rondo2287]

I saw some wholes on the inner part of the molding where it looked like it could be screwed in.  so hopefully they can do that.  Im kinda freaking out because this is first new car, and also because i feel terrible that one  one second mistake can cost me 500 bucks haha

[birdwatcher]

I saw some wholes on the inner part of the molding where it looked like it could be screwed in.  so hopefully they can do that.  Im kinda freaking out because this is first new car, and also because i feel terrible that one  one second mistake can cost me 500 bucks haha

Various parts of new model cars are designed to give way in the event of an accident. It's not because "they don't make them like they used to" like my dad says, it's really for your safety as well as others around you. Some cars are built to basically bust apart like legos to absorb the force of a collision, and some crumple up like an accordian to absorb shock--in both cases keeping the driver and passenger safe in the cabin.

[Rondo2287]

I saw some wholes on the inner part of the molding where it looked like it could be screwed in.  so hopefully they can do that.  Im kinda freaking out because this is first new car, and also because i feel terrible that one  one second mistake can cost me 500 bucks haha

Various parts of new model cars are designed to give way in the event of an accident. It's not because "they don't make them like they used to" like my dad says, it's really for your safety as well as others around you. Some cars are built to basically bust apart like legos to absorb the force of a collision, and some crumple up like an accordian to absorb shock--in both cases keeping the driver and passenger safe in the cabin.

Oh yes, I agree, im just saying the part itself is visably in perfect condition, not bent, dented or anything, it just seemed to detatch a little from the body of the car.  Im just wondering if they need a whole new part or if they can re-attach the exhisting part.  I am assuming re-attaching would cost me less money.

[birdwatcher]

I saw some wholes on the inner part of the molding where it looked like it could be screwed in.  so hopefully they can do that.  Im kinda freaking out because this is first new car, and also because i feel terrible that one  one second mistake can cost me 500 bucks haha

I'm not a mechanic, but I can tell you from doing a lot of work on our cars with my dad (he was a mechanic in the military) that it sounds like your bumper cover just detached in the area that you caught the snowbank on. These bumper covers are usually molded plastic and are held on with body pins which look kinda like a plastic rivet/anchor. There's usually 20-30 of these things that line the inside and do break really easy. You see it happen all the time when people park to close to a curb or parking median and scrape the bottom of their front end on them. The weight of the front end rests on them until you pull out or go in reverse. They are cheap and you could go to a body shop or parts store and buy them yourself--you just gotta make sure you have the right size.

[Rondo2287]

I saw some wholes on the inner part of the molding where it looked like it could be screwed in.  so hopefully they can do that.  Im kinda freaking out because this is first new car, and also because i feel terrible that one  one second mistake can cost me 500 bucks haha

I'm not a mechanic, but I can tell you from doing a lot of work on our cars with my dad (he was a mechanic in the military) that it sounds like your bumper cover just detached in the area that you caught the snowbank on. These bumper covers are usually molded plastic and are held on with body pins which look kinda like a plastic rivet/anchor. There's usually 20-30 of these things that line the inside and do break really easy. You see it happen all the time when people park to close to a curb or parking median and scrape the bottom of their front end on them. The weight of the front end rests on them until you pull out or go in reverse. They are cheap and you could go to a body shop or parts store and buy them yourself--you just gotta make sure you have the right size.

yes thats exactly what they looked like!  Im going to take it to the dealer tonight since i really have no idea what im doing with cars, and cause its still fairly new.  hopefully its not too pricey.

[Rondo2287]

any other thoughts?

[nba is the worst]

Even if you pay the dealer to reinstall the little plastic parts, I can't conceive of them charging more than a hour labor + the parts cost which shouldn't be more than $10.

Going to an independent shop will save $

[FatKidsDad]

You probably broke a plastic clip, or maybe the same type of screw and nylon screw holder that is commonly used to hold on license plates.

Look underneath the car at the same molding on the opposite side of the car.  See what kind of plastic clip is holding it in.

Go to AutoZone or VIP and buy a replacement of the same type for about 59 cents.

Pop it in and live a happy life.

[Rondo2287]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help, hopefully it is something small. 

If not though, the odds of me working on my grad school paper go down and the odds of me enjoying a brew go up

[Rondo2287]

Just went out on my lunch break and looked at it and drove it around.  It looks like the fender liner may be broken. Does anybody know how much one of those would go for?  I see them online for like 35 bucks which makes me think dealership cost would be around 80-100.