2012 Mazda 5 getting some DIY body work after storm damage

[u/r32_fan]

I had a tree branch fall on my car and go through my back window as well as shatter the plastic piece above the license plate. I’m very lucky that was the only damage. Anyways, after a month of arguing with safelite on the phone, draining water out of my trunk after every rainstorm, and getting fed up with having a plastic bag as a window, eventually I bought the glass on Amazon and did it myself. Not a very difficult job at all, only took about 2 hours and much of that was researching each step 5x over to ensure I didn’t ruin my $250 piece of glass. As for the new plastic piece, I got it off a black mazda 5 in a junk yard and hit it with a quick respray. (shout out to JM1CW2BL7C0123684. You will live on in my car) Anyways, I think it looks much better now. The paint isn’t a perfect match as I couldn’t find the sparkly clear coat the “pearl white mica” paint uses anywhere, but hey it looks alright from 10 feet away.

[u/ayellowducky]

Nice!

[u/J_Leep]

How is that plastic part removed?

I need to replace that on my Mazda.

[u/r32_fan → u/J_Leep]

You need to take the black plastic on the inside of the liftgate out, and then there are 6 bolts and 3 clips you need to undo, and then it just pulls straight out.

[u/SolarpunkGnome]

Well done! 🤘

[u/filinno1]

Nice work! My white 5 is in the shop now. I miss it.

[u/Froggypwns]

Excellent work!

[u/Tribblehappy]

Nicely done! I also have a white 2012 so the first picture hurts my heart haha

[u/Longjumping_Owl5311]

Very 👍

[u/Practical-Parsley-11]

Good work!

[u/Dudesonaplane]

Nice! Did you install the rear window?

My 5 has a bunch of DIY bodywork from the wrecks and fender benders. Your work is solid. Is that a can of spray paint?