The Bumper Man

By DAVID A LOOMAR

Dear Diary:

To own a car in New York City is to accept the dings and dents of outrageous parking. My car is no exception.

After a large indentation appeared in my car's bumper some weeks ago, I thought the plastic bumper could be pulled out into its original shape. Not possible, I was informed by each body shop: the whole bumper had to be replaced. Labor and painting would require four days and $657 from the least expensive shop. Unhappy with both the amount of money and the time, I delayed having the work done.

Then, while waiting at a red light on York Avenue, a mature man in an immaculate 1987 Mercury to our right signaled that I should open my window. Getting to the point, he said: “I see you have a large dent in your bumper. I have the tools in my car, and can fix it in 20 minutes for $120.”

I decided on the spot. “Follow me home,” I said. “It's four blocks.”

I pulled into my garage. As promised, the man produced a portable blowtorch and a screwdriver with a large handle. In 15 minutes, the bumper was like new.

I saved $537.00. That can buy a lot of groceries.

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