Dented quarter panel, now what?

[Aguilar]

Hey guys,

Been reading this boards for a little bit now, steadily learning, and loving every bit of info I get.

I have an 06 VW GTI, the car I wanted for some time and finally can afford. Recently I was hit on the driver's side. Story here: VWvortex Forums: No matter how well you drive...

There are a ton of questions in my head, here are a couple...

Do I have to worry about what clear coat they use? Are there different clear coats or is it the same?

I recently waxed with Collinite. Will they overspray on top of the wax? Should I strip the wax before taking it to the shop?

I'm trying to not settle for anything other than perfect, taking the dents out and doing nothing to the paint is out of the equation. In which case my guess is that the insurance will try to get only that area painted, and then I'm going to be anal about the paint not matching. Still, I know the insurance will not cover overspraying the whole vehicle.

More questions tomorrow, I promise. In the meanwhile, can anybody recommend a good bodyshop in the Savannah, GA area?

Thanks.

[David703]

take it to a good shop and you will be happy. They may spot in the paint but they will have to clear the whole quarter. You don't have to worry about your wax because they will have to prepare the quarter for painting and that requires sanding etc..
Don't worry it will be fine! No one will ever know. But i feel for you. That really sucks!!

[mopar]

Originally Posted by Aguilar

Hey guys,

Been reading this boards for a little bit now, steadily learning, and loving every bit of info I get.

I have an 06 VW GTI, the car I wanted for some time and finally can afford. Recently I was hit on the driver's side. Story here: VWvortex Forums: No matter how well you drive...

There are a ton of questions in my head, here are a couple...

Do I have to worry about what clear coat they use? Are there different clear coats or is it the same?

I recently waxed with Collinite. Will they overspray on top of the wax? Should I strip the wax before taking it to the shop?

I'm trying to not settle for anything other than perfect, taking the dents out and doing nothing to the paint is out of the equation. In which case my guess is that the insurance will try to get only that area painted, and then I'm going to be anal about the paint not matching. Still, I know the insurance will not cover overspraying the whole vehicle.

More questions tomorrow, I promise. In the meanwhile, can anybody recommend a good bodyshop in the Savannah, GA area?

Thanks.

Bummer, I know how you feel, the damage is lite, you're concerned about the finish, as well you should be, if its new you want it right, clear coats are pretty much the same two part product poly urethane, a good shop will use what came on it, I would call the local BMW Mercedes dealer and ask them where the hi end shop is in town, A good shop will paint the whole panel. Funny I just posted this http://autopia.org/forum/hot-tub/831...tml#post837666

[MorBid]

All Clearcoats are 2K (or two part) paint systems which are usually Urethane so in that yes they are the same.

Each paint manufacurer (Dupont, Spies Hecker, Glausrit, PPG) have a range of Clears (usually from low end to high end in cost).

Don't strip the wax or anything else off the car before taking it in. Make a good mental note of everything inside and out, take pic's if you need to. That way you can make sure you get the car back in the same shape (minus the repair of course) that you sent it in.

One of longest parts of prepping for autobody work and painting is the "masking" of the vehicle parts that are not going to be painted. It will be masked but sometimes someone slips and you could get some overspray.

Whoever you send the car to will have to re-paint not only the quarter panel that was hit, but up the sail panel, the roof, down the windshield pillars, down the sail panel on the other side of the car and lastly the opposite quarter panel.

They may need to blend into the doors as well.

Why?

Because the paint manufacturer's warranty is only applicable when the paint is applied end to end not blended. You have no top end on a quarter panel on a unibody car, it's all one piece of sheet metal.

Your insurance company's estimator should already know that. I'd be very leary of anyone trying to blend that type of repair.

MorBiD

[Aguilar]

You guys are great, thanks for the replies. It's not a good experience either way, but with your advice I'm better prepared for what's coming.

Again, thanks.