So I picked up an OE GTi rear lower valance today from my local TPS to replace the plastic monstrosity fitted on swmbos Golf GT. On my way home I stopped in at a body shop I have used in the past, for a quote on painting. After having to give my entire life history to the rude, arrogant and obnoxious receptionist she sent for the estimator. Well to say I was shocked by the prices quoted is an understatement. :wonder:

Quote #1: Prepare the textured surface with high build plastic primer then paint - £128 +VAT (he did say that it would probably flake off though).

Quote #2: DA the surface to remove the textured finish then build the surface back up with filler/primer then paint - £240 +VAT!

Question here is do they think I'm a mug or is that the sort of price I will have to pay? Also is there any way I can prepare the bumper by sanding it etc?

Not my car but it shows that a perfectly smooth finish is achievable, it's the part below the line and number plate....

So I picked up an OE GTi rear lower valance today from my local TPS to replace the plastic monstrosity fitted on swmbos Golf GT. On my way home I stopped in at a body shop I have used in the past, for a quote on painting. After having to give my entire life history to the rude, arrogant and obnoxious receptionist she sent for the estimator. Well to say I was shocked by the prices quoted is an understatement. :wonder:

Quote #1: Prepare the textured surface with high build plastic primer then paint - £128 +VAT (he did say that it would probably flake off though).

Quote #2: DA the surface to remove the textured finish then build the surface back up with filler/primer then paint - £240 +VAT!

Question here is do they think I'm a mug or is that the sort of price I will have to pay? Also is there any way I can prepare the bumper by sanding it etc?

Not my car but it shows that a perfectly smooth finish is achievable, it's the part below the line and number plate....

I'm tempted to get one of these for my GT if I decide not to sell - They look amazing.

Name and shame the company or ring up and ask to talk to her manager.

I'm tempted to get one of these for my GT if I decide not to sell - They look amazing.

Name and shame the company or ring up and ask to talk to her manager.

Not so fussed about the bint behind the desk, it went over my head. I'm just gob-smacked by the price, the same bodyshop colour coded my front grill and painted and fitted the rear spoiler for £110 a couple of years ago. Ok so VAT has increased, but not that much!

Quick update:

The guy at the bodyshop advised me NOT to try and sand the bumper myself as when you sand the plastic it creates fibres that will ruin the finsh.

Despite this I thought I would have a bash at prepping a small part of the valance so I hit the section hidden behind the number plate with my random orbital sander with 120 grit paper, then a quick finish with some wet 'n' dry! And the result, perfect finish ready for primer/paint.......I defo think they were trying it on.

Who says I can't prep the bumper???? :p

And I've found a guy locally who comes highly recommended, he has quoted me £80. Happy days!

Also, spoke to my mechanic today and for 20 quid he said he can modify the tail pipes so I can fit chrome tailpipes for the OE finish.