HELP!!! - Trouble in mounting Rigid flush mount lights in bumper
12-20-2013, 02:48 PM
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HELP!!! - Trouble in mounting Rigid flush mount lights in bumper
So, I need some advice here. As I did not want to be responsible for something like this myself, I decided to have a local 4x4 shop install some Rigid flush mount lights into my rear bumper to give me some extra light when backing up at night (it really helps with the back up camera!).
Long story short, I got the truck back and come to find out, one of their technicians was obviously very careless with the grinder that they were using to cut into the bumper. Now when I went to have this work done, they said that they were going to use a plasma cutter (which they might have on the driver's side mount as it is perfect), but obviously, they used a grinding wheel.
Luckily, when I showed the owner of the 4x4 shop the damage, he offered to make it right and asked what I wanted to do. I am planning on having a leveling kit installed ($229.99 parts and $278.76 labor plus $100 alignment) and he offered to do the leveling kit for just the cost of the parts or he offered to replace the bumper. Kicker of the latter offer is that he said that he would not reinstall the lights (~$550 for parts and labor). While I would get the full refund on the lights and the labor ($550) and the new bumper, I wouldn't have the light kit anymore. I did call our local Ford dealership and explained what happened, and they said that the price for me to replace my bumper would be $607.34 for me or $560.08 for the shop (due to their wholesale discount).
So now my dilemma:
Needless to say, I am very particular about my truck. I take very good care of her and it really aggravates me to see the scratches...now, you can't really see the scratches unless you are actually looking for them and it does not appear to go all of the way through the chrome so rust shouldn't be an issue. On top of that, I really like the back up light kit.
So, should I keep the kit and deal with the scratches and get a discount on a leveling kit? Or should I say screw it, have them replace the bumper and refund me for the lights and labor and pay full price for the light kit? If I go with the latter, I may be able to find another shop that will do a better job, but that is not for certain.
What do you guys think?
Long story short, I got the truck back and come to find out, one of their technicians was obviously very careless with the grinder that they were using to cut into the bumper. Now when I went to have this work done, they said that they were going to use a plasma cutter (which they might have on the driver's side mount as it is perfect), but obviously, they used a grinding wheel.
Luckily, when I showed the owner of the 4x4 shop the damage, he offered to make it right and asked what I wanted to do. I am planning on having a leveling kit installed ($229.99 parts and $278.76 labor plus $100 alignment) and he offered to do the leveling kit for just the cost of the parts or he offered to replace the bumper. Kicker of the latter offer is that he said that he would not reinstall the lights (~$550 for parts and labor). While I would get the full refund on the lights and the labor ($550) and the new bumper, I wouldn't have the light kit anymore. I did call our local Ford dealership and explained what happened, and they said that the price for me to replace my bumper would be $607.34 for me or $560.08 for the shop (due to their wholesale discount).
So now my dilemma:
Needless to say, I am very particular about my truck. I take very good care of her and it really aggravates me to see the scratches...now, you can't really see the scratches unless you are actually looking for them and it does not appear to go all of the way through the chrome so rust shouldn't be an issue. On top of that, I really like the back up light kit.
So, should I keep the kit and deal with the scratches and get a discount on a leveling kit? Or should I say screw it, have them replace the bumper and refund me for the lights and labor and pay full price for the light kit? If I go with the latter, I may be able to find another shop that will do a better job, but that is not for certain.
What do you guys think?
12-20-2013, 02:56 PM
#2
Indecisive Member
I understand being very picky about stuff. I wish i had a pic of what the guy did with my custom system install with the nasty scratch on the center console in plain sight! Didnt offer to fix or pay for it at all, just said well idk how it happened and sorry. Just in my personal oponion i would go with the leveling kit install for free cuz your saving 300 plus dollars on that instead of not getting the lights you wanted but having a new bumper. I like the light setup and i think you should keep it. Those scratches will bother you more than someone else and i promise it hurts cuz its the first scratch. You will get more eventually and wish you kept the lights. ITs very minor and lights look awesome!!!
it's all opinion tho…Do what makes you happy!!!!!! its your truck!!
P.S. you might even be able to buff the chrome out a little with the right product
it's all opinion tho…Do what makes you happy!!!!!! its your truck!!
P.S. you might even be able to buff the chrome out a little with the right product
12-20-2013, 03:16 PM
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I tried to separate the chrome pieces of the bumper (2 of the total 3 pieces) but, coming from the Ford rep, when you buy one, you buy them both (i.e. you can't just buy the one side). However, this is coming from a Ford sales guy so maybe that is not true. I don't know. I agree with the work off of the truck. Those words actually came up when talking with them about what happened...
