Re: 5kS Durability

[erict@cta.com (Eric Thorstenson)]

Mike said
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metal.  Couldn't believe it.  There were two marks on the top of the bumper
where the bumper had compressed about three inches, and the bottom of the
plastic trim that goes around the bumper had left a trail.  But the bumper had
sprung back out to exactly where it belonged.  Those two trails were the only
indication that I was in an accident.  Well, the only NEW indication anyways.
----

Agreed, those bumpers are pretty tough and well-designed.
About a month ago, someone slammed my '86 5k in a parking lot.
In my case, they went far enough in to shatter the tailight
lens, but the bumper sprung right back out to its original
position. As in your case, the only visible indication was the
lines left by the plastic trim.

Sometimes I think the damper assemblies like those on the
Audis make more sense than the more "modern" expendable
bumper insert. Got rear-ended in my Miata a couple months
ago - no body damage, just crushed the insert. 
Replacement/repainting/etc. was about $750. Makes the
Audi design look pretty attractive. Only potential problem
is that the damping is only effective along the longitudinal
axis of the vehicle - doesn't buy you much if you are hit
from an oblique angle.

Eric T.   '86 5000 S