[dkp2LT]

I posted this question on the Ford Flex forum but since they have only a small fraction of the traffic I thought I could get a better response here.

I mentioned in another thread that recently my wife's Flex was hit in the rear by an uninsured motorist. Two body shops & the insurance adjuster put the damage at ~$1.1k - pretty much just replacing the bumper cover, paint and the black bumper guard. The rear sensors still function OK so those would be swapped to the new bumper. I have a $1k deductible on it. The damage isn't too bad & other than being a bit ugly it isn't a huge deal.

I found that I could get a new OEM painted rear bumper cover shipped for ~$475.00.

Wondering if this could be a DYI? I haven't done a rear bumper before but I have a bit of knowledge/skill as I put in my own HUD a few months ago & do some other DYI maintenance & minor repairs. The issues that concern me are swapping the sensors & then hoping I could swap the bumper guard instead of buying new (~$100). I wanted to use the $500 savings to put towards new tires for it before fall. Another option is wait for someone with insurance to hit us again.

On a scale of 1-10 how hard do you think it would be? Any one that knows anything about the Flex bumper who can offer advice - or advice in general would be appreciated. TIA.

[upflying]

Bumpers are usually held on with a series of plastic push pins. It's meant to be an easy R&R. Lay down under the back of the Flex and poke around with a flashlight, your will see what i mean. Wear safety glasses, lots of grit will start falling down in your face.
The bumper guard is usually a piece of styrofoam or plastic eggcrate. If it isn't too compressed, re-use it.
The pins look like these.. pull out the center pin and then pull the entire plug out of the hole.
http://www.cjponyparts.com/ford-fron...-2004/p/HW834/

[Mr. iNCREDIBLE]

should be pretty easy, as long as there is no underlying damage.

as stated the covers are held with push pins, maybe some fender bolts..

I did the rear on my 2002 Impala and 2005 300c myself when both were rear ended.. only issue is getting it painted.

--

don't know what insurance you have, but my State Farm waives the deductible for uninsured motorist..

[dkp2LT]

Thanks. I will put on ramps this weekend so I can get a good peek at what it looks like. The adjuster and one of the body shops was almost positive there was no hidden damage. One was about 75% sure but said he'd have to open it first - which makes sense.

Originally Posted by Mr. iNCREDIBLE

don't know what insurance you have, but my State Farm waives the deductible for uninsured motorist..

I wish - I checked and it falls under my 1k deductable. I don't mind carrying that number for accidents that would be our fault because we haven't had one in 20+ years, but it ticks me off that I have to pay it out for a bum driving around in a beater without insurance.

[05stram]

Believe I may of found you a guide. When dealing with a rear bumper googling hitch install for that particular model never fails

http://bturnip.com/weblog/?p=1563

hope this is the correct model for you

[dkp2LT]

Originally Posted by 05stram

Believe I may of found you a guide. When dealing with a rear bumper googling hitch install for that particular model never fails

http://bturnip.com/weblog/?p=1563

hope this is the correct model for you

Perfect. Thanks!

[jwoair23]

I had a similar situation, but with the Camaro. My fiance rear ended someone and my front bumper was pushed in. Ordered a painted bumper (SS bumper upgrade!) on Ebay and installed it myself. It wasn't too bad, took me a few hours. The paint was not 100% perfect, but I would say its 90-95% perfect, and it avoided making a claim!

[dkp2LT]

Well I ordered it this AM. I read the description wrong - is a manufactured OEM but their reviews & communication were good enough that I decided to go that route. For $450 shipped I figured it's worth a shot.