So I hit a raccoon and busted up my front bumper of my 07 Ls. I'm wondering if anyone knows about how much it cost to get it fixed in a shop, and if it is possible for a college student with no garage to do it.

 

I gather you are on a budget so your best bet, is to search the local auto wreckers and grab a used one, and put it on yourself. There are some how-to articles written here giving the details on how to remove and reinstall it. If you go that route, grab whatever fasteners you can as spares for when you reinstall it.

It's a finicky job but is doable in your driveway if you have a few simple tools and take your time.

Without knowing the extent of the damage, and what your local shops charge, only a rough guess on estimating can be done. Most body shops remove the damaged one, and grab a rebuilt one from their local suppliers, then repaint it to match your car. So you are probably looking at $500-$700. But that is a wild guess.

 

If you car is financed you have insurance. The estimate does not cost anything.

 

Though as I learned, an estimate makes a mark on your insurance record. Or at least it did mine.. That or I had a bad adjuster.

As was mentioned, grab one from a local salvage or from Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market by searching your area and part need.

I took mine off and put it back on to put DEPO headlights in, and it wasn't terribly difficult at all.

 

There is a you tube video , I think by A1Auto for how to change the headlamp assemblies , it is fairly easy to do with very little tools!

 

^ Exactly right on the company that produced the video.

 

I may be old but I still have my memory, I think?

 

Sooooo, what about the coon? Did you skin it to make a cool hat, or at least cut off the tail to hang on your antenna?

 

No I wish I would have now!