Did car wash warp my bumper!?

4TthAnnyZ

Noticed a dimple/wave in my bumper on the passenger side, just below where the hood meets it. I would say it's about the size of a softball, really not noticeable to most people I'm sure, but of course I saw it. Won't bother with a picture because I doubt it would show up. But it's enough to piss a guy off.

The car hadn't left my sight except for a brief 30-minute period while I ate breakfast on Saturday morning at a local truckstop (best food for miles). It was chilly, mid 40's I believe. Drove from there to the carwash, the from the carwash back into the colder temp and over to a friends house where the car never left my sight.

I have no idea how it could have happened, looks like someone leaned a knee on it, but even then, it should just flex back out to it's normal shape. I have a 3M clear bra on the front with 0 marks, scratches, etc so I know that no one backed into it, and I know I didn't hit anything on the road either. The only thing I can think of is maybe the water was too hot in the carwash, then combined with the dryers it morphed the bumper in that spot permanently. I took the pushpins out and tried to pop it out, but I had no luck. And just to test the possibility of an impact or pressure causing it, I pushed in on the other side with a decent amount of pressure and it just came right back out.


Any ideas how this happened or how I can fix it? (again, it's really not that noticeable unless you move your head around as the sun shines on it).

Touchless carwash, for the record.

Liquid_G

I think its a defect in the factory bumper. i noticed it too back when i had that bumper on.

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4TthAnnyZ

I never noticed it before, odd that it shows up now. Maybe it is because of the cooler temps? Crossing my fingers that it will just go away next summer when it's warm.

OR, maybe this is a sign that I should buy the Amuse kit.

kenchan

if it's a minor ripple, i think a lot of Z's have that. i remember reading about it a while back.

Fountainhead

BTW OP, I would NEVER take my baby thru any carwash, just saying. It's not a good idea.

ScottOmatic

What do you feel is wrong with a brushless car wash? The chemicals used are too harsh on the paint?

4TthAnnyZ

Its been through 3 times since ive owned it likely won't return to one. Ive noticed a nasty scum on the clearcoat that is near impossible to remove. Already loaded up on more home cleaning supplies.

Ripple got less noticeable today in the heat, must be a factory defect when it gets cold.

SouthArk370Z

If you are picky about your paint, hand-wash only. Junkman2008 has some great how-tos in the Detailing / Washing / Waxing / Cosmetic Maintenance and Repair - Nissan 370Z Forum section. He also has some good reason not to use a brushless wash.

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damian_mb

I agree! washed, waxed, and covered prior to storage and after storage.

kenchan

^^ wat he said.