Someone hit my car

[Starter986]

Thanks for all the comments.

I didn't carry full insurance because I paid <$6K for the car, aside from the extra money I dropped into it, and figured that if ever it got hit the insurance company would just total it... wasn't worth the expense. And... if I had gotten that coverage I would have gotrn a $1K deductible. If I can find a shop to do it for <$2K or so... ughhh... that's only an extra $1K.

I'm in no hurry. Going to poke around.

Thanks!

[mikefocke]

So any recommendations for Palm Springs?

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

So any recommendations for Palm Springs?

Upon Craigslist I found a guy who does mobile work (I know, I know). He gave me a quote that is so ridiculously low that I'm first going to vet him. I figure he couldn't do any more damage than that which already exists and, f it isn't a great job I'll go to an actual body shop. I'll keep updating.

If I didn't make it clear (for the story sake) when I do work (PT) I park my car in a section of the parking lot that is away from other cars. If I'm working a shift that finds me there after dark, I park the car closer to my station which, in this case, is one of four spots for "curbside" delivery... which closes at 6P. I parked the car at 6P and came out at 805P. Walked by the damage a couple of times while I was getting in the trunk, but noticed nothing. Drove it home, check engine light pops on (yet to be checked, I have an OBD lent out)... I drive it home... park in the middle carport spot... go inside.

Next morning wife leaves for work...

[blue62]

Starter986
Again there is very little actual metal damaged.
Most of it is just pushed in and no longer in it's correct plane.
80%-90% of the correct shape can be regained by pulling (glue on pull tabs) the metal out in the opposite direction from the direction it was pushed in.
The rest of the shape can be corrected by using proper repair methods.

Yes it is a double walled structure but a PDR tech. should be able to gain access via the air intake area, removing the tail light, and or drilling holes to insert his tools in the back wall of the double walled structure. Those small holes will be out of sight.

As for stretched metal and metal integrity that is all repaired by using proper repair methods.
If the paint is damaged the panel can be repainted color matched and blended.

The big issue is...If the rear wall in a double walled structure is distorted it fights gaining the correct shape in the front wall.
Basically both walls of a double wall structure have to be the correct shape or neither one will be.

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by blue62

Starter986
Again there is very little actual metal damaged.
Most of it is just pushed in and no longer in it's correct plane.
80%-90% of the correct shape can be regained by pulling (glue on pull tabs) the metal out in the opposite direction from the direction it was pushed in.
The rest of the shape can be corrected by using proper repair methods.

Yes it is a double walled structure but a PDR tech. should be able to gain access via the air intake area, removing the tail light, and or drilling holes to insert his tools in the back wall of the double walled structure. Those small holes will be out of sight.

As for stretched metal and metal integrity that is all repaired by using proper repair methods.
If the paint is damaged the panel can be repainted color matched and blended.

The big issue is...If the rear wall in a double walled structure is distorted it fights gaining the correct shape in the front wall.
Basically both walls of a double wall structure have to be the correct shape or neither one will be.

I'm going with single walled. I put my hand between the pained rextrior and behine it... and it's one sheet. No double... unless the "double is, like, 1/16" thick.

The CL quote is $380. Doesn't meet the acid test. I stopped by a body shop, local, and got a solid quote. $1K out the door. He described the glue/weld/stick process... paint the "injured area... would look new. Would take around 2-3 days.

That $1K would have been my deductible... so I believe I came out ahead on this one.

I really appreciate the input, fellas.

After the repair I'm adding comprehensive.

[blue62]

Originally Posted by Starter986

I'm going with single walled. I put my hand between the pained rextrior and behine it... and it's one sheet. No double... unless the "double is, like, 1/16" thick.

The CL quote is $380. Doesn't meet the acid test. I stopped by a body shop, local, and got a solid quote. $1K out the door. He described the glue/weld/stick process... paint the "injured area... would look new. Would take around 2-3 days.

That $1K would have been my deductible... so I believe I came out ahead on this one.

I really appreciate the input, fellas.

After the repair I'm adding comprehensive.

By glue/weld/stick process your talking about pulling as I mentioned.
80-85% of that dent can be pulled out in just a few minutes.
It's the final 10-15% of the work that takes the knowledge and skill.
Post some pictures of it repaired if you get the chance.

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by blue62

By glue/weld/stick process your talking about pulling as I mentioned.
80-85% of that dent can be pulled out in just a few minutes.
It's the final 10-15% of the work that takes the knowledge and skill.
Post some pictures of it repaired if you get the chance.

That 10-15%... rigggghhhhhht. That's where the art comes in. The finish work.

I'll post pics.