Driving home late Friday evening I tried to miss a pothole and couldn't completely. The hit made a horrible noise and was pleased my wheel wasn't destroyed (kudos to Rottec for a strong, albeit heavy wheel), although it suffered a small nick and the tire edge tore a little. But, the next morning I noticed the bigger damage - bumper took it from below and made a kink/bend on the inside lip, plus separated from the liner, and cracked it somewhat. Another downer is I just had a respray of the bumper and hood. It doesn't look like it's repairable given the material (?).

Anyway, I've been meaning on upgrading to an Aerokit front bumper or GT3 bumper, but I'm concerned with all the stories of damage to the front lip, especially since my car is lowered on coil overs, and I like it that way. I suspect if it weren't lowered as much I wouldn't have sustained the damage.



I found the following picture of a 997 on the Misha site that looks a lot like the 993 type that had splitters, and they don't have it listed. I've searched the forum to see if anyone has this and haven't found any. I've sent an email to Alex at Misha inquiring about it as well, especially since I'll looking at the GTM wing. In the interim, anyone know about this bumper and if not Misha where it can be sourced? I really-really like this.

MUST HAVE

 

This may actually be good news! Now just order the Aerokit from bumper from Suncoast- insurance will pay for it!

 

I'm considering it, however, I thought about suspension modifications which I didn't disclose, actually stated "none", so I'm thinking if they take a close look they may notice it and not only decline coverage, but increase my premium. If the one pictured above isn't available I may go that route and take my chances.

Although I didn't find the bumper on the Misha website, they reference their parts as being fiberglass reinforced plastic. I'm wondering how sturdy or rather fragile that may be? Any knowledge of that? All I can see if the Porsche material bent and doesn't appear repairable - I've been messing with it all afternoon to no avail.

Suncoast is running a special on the Aerokit bumper right now, as is Misha for the month of December (reference to the wing). I'm really hoping they have this bumper as I like it much better than the GT3, and it wouldn't be the run-of-the-mill bumper upgrade.

 

i've never heard of insurance looking over your suspension mods & denying coverage for that..in your case i bet no insurance adjuster even comes out if its just a bumper. As for Misha, they have a great reputation for quality products...i just ordered the rear GT3 style bumper from them.

 

I think you're likely right. I'm going to call them tomorrow.

I also thought I'd post a closer picture of the wheel/tire

First - sorry for the threadjack.

No, there's no bend, just a knick, no vibration, etc., although I will check it out to be safe. I bought tire hazard insurance through Discount Tire and I'm going to see if there's any issue with the tire damage.

 

Looks like a tire cut.... I d toss that tire for safety reasons. I m sure the tire place will agree.

 

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking too. They're fairly new. On one of the rears within 2 weeks I got a large piece of metal between the treads and had to replace it. I didn't have insurance then but I went ahead and bought it for all 4. I'll be going by there tomorrow.

 

The bumper is made by 'Rinspeed'

 

I thought Rinnspeed went out of business? Looked for their wheels in the past too to no avail, hence the Ruf reps. Link?

 

I think Rinspeed did go out of business so it will be very difficult to find that exact bumper. That car was built back in like 2007-2008 when Rinspeed was still very much in business.

 

OK, thanks. Second best will be the OEM Aerokit bumper.

 

This is what insurance is for.

 

Would be a good idea to remove the wheel and check the inside for damage to it and the tire. This is where the wheels takes the most abusewhen you hit a pot hole. If your rear wheel hit the same pothole check that one as well as the rim is most likely bent on the insde lip.

 

your LF radiator bracket is prob bent up also (997.106.155.01). only mentioning so that you check it out in case you do the work yourself. i hit a curb years ago. my RF bracket is still bent up slightly which bows out the fender slightly but i left it as is so that every time i notice it, it reminds me not to be such an idiot on the roads!

 

Thanks for the information. I've called to report the claim and I'm getting an estimate this afternoon.