Pattern parts.

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Mon 18 Apr 2005 19:34
Pattern parts. - Fullchat
SHMBO has reversed our car into a work colleages Ford Mondeo back bumper causing a small puncture.

If it cannot be repaired by plastic welding its a new bumper which is coming in at around £500 all in.

At that price its becoming an insurance job with all the extra costs.

Whilst browsing the internet I found a company doing a good range of pattern and OE body parts at a fraction of the cost and bringing the job into the 'hand in pocket' price (reluctantly!)

There were two ranges described as 'Standard Alternative' and 'Standard Thatcham' which was a bit more expensive.

How good are these pattern parts? Has anyone any experience of finish and fit in respect of plastic mouldings? Naturally I want the cheapest option but it is only fair that the job is done properly.




Fullchat
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Mon 18 Apr 2005 19:49
Pattern parts. - blue_haddock
Not got any idea on pattern plastic bumpers but pattern panels i've seen in the past have not been anywhere near as good a fit as a genuine or OE part. Generally as with most things you get what you pay for
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Mon 18 Apr 2005 19:53
Pattern parts. - NowWheels
If it cannot be repaired by plastic welding its a new
bumper which is coming in at around £500 all in.


£500 for a bumper? The world has gone mad.
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Mon 18 Apr 2005 20:30
Pattern parts. - Rishab C
Be careful, It's either make it an insurance job, or give them the cash as full and final settlement to get it done themselves, as if you arrange it, they'll never be happy and come back to you about this and that not being right etc... and what was £400 could end up as £700.
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Mon 18 Apr 2005 20:49
Pattern parts. - none
The ones I've fitted have been a bit thinner and more flexible than OE, and the edges aren't well finished. The hidden parts of the mouldings have a 'Made in Hong Kong' look about them. They can be made to fit though, and to a casual observer would pass unnoticed. A professional panel beater would spot one a mile off though.
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Mon 18 Apr 2005 22:37
Pattern parts. - Fullchat
Thanks for replies. The bumper can be supplied Ford dealer pre-painted for £320.


Fullchat
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Mon 18 Apr 2005 22:41
Pattern parts. - Fullchat
Bumper??Wonder if there is something under the trades descriptions? Didnt take much of a bump to bust it! The pattern parts were less than £100.Certainly my experience of pattern panels is that they have needed a bit of coaxing to make them fit.


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