Holes Drilled In Both Bumpers / Difficult Situation

Discussion in 'Dodge Challenger General Discussions' started by Deecee, Mar 24, 2021.

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  1. Mar 24, 2021 at 10:55 AM #1
    Deecee

    Deecee New Member

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    Hello All,

    I recently purchased a 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody from a local Dodge dealer. I ordered it way back in September 2020 and it finally arrived on March 1, 2021 after nearly 6 months. As you can imagine I was fully stoked to finally pick it up.

    When I arrived at the dealer, I noticed they had drilled 4 holes in the front bumper to attach the license plate holder and 2 additional holes in the rear bumper. I was disappointed to say the least. The MSRP on this car was neatly 95K and they drilled both bumpers. I couldn't believe it.

    I voiced my displeasure but was told there was nothing they could do. So I took it to a body shop and they patched the holes in the front bumper using a plastic welding technique and it looks great.

    Is this normal to have holes drilled in before asking the customer?

    PS - The salesperson is my neighbor so this summer is going to be super awkward. :-(

    PPS - The body shop told me that the holes in the front bumper were off center so the tech who did it eyeballed it.
     
  2. Mar 24, 2021 at 11:00 AM #2
    Deecee

    Deecee New Member

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    Here is a pic of the car with the stripes on and a couple pics of the front and rear bumper with the stripes removed.

    PS - I removed the stripes to have PPF applied.

    20210306_162857.jpg

    20210318_101942.jpg

    20210318_103325.jpg
     
  3. Mar 24, 2021 at 12:13 PM #3
    Katshot

    Katshot Full Access Member

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    Sorry to hear about that. I’m sure they assumed you would be mounting a front plate but it would’ve been prudent to ask you first. You might have been registering it in another state. Either way, welcome to the site. Nice car!
     
  4. Mar 24, 2021 at 6:11 PM #4
    SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    If your state requires a front license plate, most dealers will install the front bracket. They think that they are doing you a service.

    Some car dealers, however, will defer. When I bought my SRT from Bob Frederick, a real car guy, he said that his dealership never drills the front bumper.
     
  5. Mar 25, 2021 at 8:07 AM #5
    NC20RT

    NC20RT Full Access Member

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    Inexcusable IMO. They are messing with a $95k car without asking the owner?? :hunter:
     
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  6. Mar 25, 2021 at 10:53 AM #6
    68MOPAR

    68MOPAR Full Access Member

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    Absolutely, 100% not the norm at all. If I were in your shoes, there would have been ... trouble! Mine is a 2020 50th Anniversary with two holes for the rear plate, no holes at the front.
     
  7. Mar 25, 2021 at 11:04 AM #7
    B5blueRT

    B5blueRT Full Access Member

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    Same here, the dealers usually mount the front plate bracket as part of their dealer prep since the state required front plates. As of July 2020 they don't.
    Deecee -the body shop had to paint your entire bumpers once they filled the holes, correct?
     
  8. Mar 25, 2021 at 11:19 AM #8
    SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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  9. Mar 25, 2021 at 11:45 AM #9
    Deecee

    Deecee New Member

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    The body shop that fixed the holes in the front bumper only painted what they needed to. I don't think they painted the entire bumper. I did get a quote on replacing it, that was $1400. I chose to do this instead which was half of that.
     
  10. Mar 25, 2021 at 12:06 PM #10
    2017 Redline HC

    2017 Redline HC 2021 Durango RT

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    I would have had the dealer replace the bumper!
     
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