Subject: (Fiero) Remolding Torn GT Facias- $130 makes your
nose new again.
From: DLagrua847@aol.com>
Standard Fiberglass
body filler ( Bondo type) may work well on plastic or fiberglass panels but it
will never produce a satisfactory and lasting repair on Fiero front and rear bumper
facias.
Small tears in Fiero bumper facias can be
successfully repaired with flexible parts epoxy and surface imperfections
filled with 3M Profill flexible
filler. However, if your facia is badly damaged or stretched, it may require replacement
with a new or good used unit or can be professionally remolded.
Good used GT rear facias seem to be
available and easy to find, but GT nose facias are becoming rare in my area. If
my experience is an indication, the used supply is low and this facia is in
high demand. As a result, I have been quoted exorbitant prices on used GT nose
facias from some parts dealers in the
$175- $200 range. In my opinion ( and remember it's only my opinion),
used nose facias are not worth this kind of money. You can buy new GT nose
facias but they are even more expensive in the $225-$275 range. I, for one,
will not pay these prices.
I
have found an alternative to the high cost of OEM or used replacement facias.
Keystone Automotive Industries in Kenilworth, NJ (They're also in PA. and other states) will professionally remold
a front or rear Fiero facia for $130.00. The repairs are done with a heat welding
and reforming process which actually melts the urethane plastic and molds the
facia back into a monolithic form. The facias are first cleaned and all of the paint
is stripped off using plastic parts stripper; then they are reformed and
remolded by heat. The finished, repaired bumper facias look like new again and
Keystone claims will provide equivalent new performance. The turn around time
is 3-4 days. I would think that this method of facia repair is done by other
firms elsewhere in the US and will become more common as the supply of GT nose
facias become more scarce.
So,
if you want to keep your restoration costs inline and avoid getting the
shaft next time you're in the market for a GT facia nose, you don't have to pay
more than $130 ever again! I'm now going out for bids to other facia repair companies
that offer the same service in the hope that I can get the price down even
lower-perhaps below $100!
Dennis LaGrua, New Jersey - taken off the Internet
Tri State Fiero Club
|