Have to get some body work done...Questions

[OneQuickGT1]

Well, it happened...big rock hit the car....the result is a nice dent right behind the passenger door. PDR can't get to it, and it looks like crap, so I am getting estimates. Car is a 2006 TDI Jetta, in silver. Taking it to a very well-known shop, but worried about silver paint match. Should I be? I hate having paint work done, but it is the only way. Give me some thoughts, please!

Brett

[G35stilez]

-Consult the VW boards about local shops.
-Call you insurance company and see whom they recommend.
-Talk around.


When you find a couple shops, ask if they take the panel off to refinish it (if applicable) and if they blend the surrounding panels. Also ask if they use OEM materials (paint), I believe VW is Hecker-Spies. Ask if they are going to patch weld in a new piece of metal, bang out the area, and/or bondo it. Ask about how many layers of clear (optimal is 3-5). Ask about orange peel matching and if they color sand/compound/polish as the final steps. Ask about a paint warranty (peeling/discoloring).


Hope this helps.

[joyriiide1113]

Make sure the surrounding panels are blended. Even the best paint job will differ. I've seen cars made on the same month from the same factory have different tones in paint if you look right... Blending is my main suggestions.

[David Fermani]

Well, it happened...big rock hit the car....the result is a nice dent right behind the passenger door. PDR can't get to it, and it looks like crap, so I am getting estimates. Car is a 2006 TDI Jetta, in silver. Taking it to a very well-known shop, but worried about silver paint match. Should I be? I hate having paint work done, but it is the only way. Give me some thoughts, please!

Brett

Brett - Based on your description of the damages, the total cost should be right around $600. That includes repairing the damaged panel(rear door or 1/4) and blending the adjacent panel. It also includes removing and reinstalling all trim on each painted panel. Silver is a very difficult color and CANNOT be panel painted (blending within the damaged panel) unless it is a very large panel like a hood. I'm not just pulling this figure out of thin air. I'm an Insurance Appraiser and used my estimating program(ADP) to get it. This is based on a body labor rate of $40/hr and paint materials of $20/hr. It's probably a 2-3 day repair. Hope this helps.

[OneQuickGT1]

Alright...estimate was $608, so good call David! They will repaint the quarter and blend the door. They have Hecker-Spies paint signs in their shop, so I am going to call and verify with them. The work will be done at the end of the year, as I am going to leave the car there while I am in Mexico and have my in-laws pick it up. I think it will all come out fine, just wanted some input. Also, their warrenty is lifetime!

Thanks again..

[David Fermani]

I am going to leave the car there while I am in Mexico and have my in-laws pick it up. I think it will all come out fine, just wanted some input. Also, their warrenty is lifetime!

Thanks again..

Be real careful!! I wouldn't pick up your car until it's fully inspected by yourself. Once you take it, it's yours. The lifetime warranty is usually just for the actual paint(through Spies Heckar), not the craftsmanship of the body and paint work. Closely examine whether they removed all the trim, taped off and covered the car to eliminate overspray. Good luck.

[GearHead_1]

Be real careful!! I wouldn't pick up your car until it's fully inspected by yourself. Once you take it, it's yours. The lifetime warranty is usually just for the actual paint(through Spies Heckar), not the craftsmanship of the body and paint work. Closely examine whether they removed all the trim, taped off and covered the car to eliminate overspray. Good luck.

I agree with David. Someone will sign for it when it is picked up. You want to be that person after close, careful personal inspection. If it's not right, leave it with them until it is.