Hey guys I’m new to the forum and rather desperately seeking a 996. I’ve been test-driving for several months, finally had one picked out and the guy backed out on the deal (even with a deposit down).

Anyway long story longer, now I’m really wanting one and sort of forcing the issue. I have found a very very inexpensive black 1999. It has one cosmetic issue that would need to be resolved immediately.

The front bumper has a scrape near the headlight (this guy didn’t set his parking break and his pcar rolled into his big, honking SUV and damaged them both).

Anyway, this is not the worst of the story…then he “fixes” the scrape, which would have only been about 2 inches long, with really really bad touch up paint. So now, it looks like someone painted a 4 by 3 strip of the front bumper with black house paint. Wow, some people.

Any ideas as to how much this repair might set me back? I’ve read $300 to $600 on this forum. Does that sound right? Anyone know a good shop in NYC/Tri-state? Anyone had luck matching the basic (not basalt) black paint on an older pcar?

Also, what about a “clear bra” what does that look like? Should I consider a new front nose? How much is that?

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Not sure of the cost but a surface prep and respray should easily fix the problem. I am not going to use a clearbra cause I think they look like ***, I would rather let the paint get pitted and refinish it after a few years. Lots of people do it on high end sports cars, no biggie.

 

Thanks for the input. Anyone out there have a pic of an installed clearbra?

 

I have a good shop in Matawan NJ, not expensive and does a great job. They have resprayed the nose on my 996...

 

That's great I'd love to get that info. Also, what did they charge you for the respray?

 

I don't remember the price but I think it was less than $500 and I have the GT3 nose which is more prep work and difficult to work with metallic paint colour. The key thing is to find someone who will spray it off the car.

The place is Key Autobody, they are located next to the train station so you can pickup and drop off your car easily and take the train to/from work.

Their number is 732-566-1020 and ask for Kevin. You will have to bring it in for an estimate because he will need to see how much prep is required to spray it. They don't just scuff it up and spray in most cases.

 

Thanks so much for your help.

 

I think a bumper respray should be about $600-800.