Mini Cooper Coupe saved from the body shop hackage

[RaskyR1]

This car belongs to a co-worker/friend of mine and I coated it just over 2yrs ago right after she bought it. It`s not her primary car and is definitely her baby, which she takes very good care of. She doesn`t have the luxury of a garage so she had purchased a large, fully enclosed tent that she parks it in. Unfortunately a big storm came through this summer which blew the tent onto the car, scraping up about 65-70% of the panels.

Now I have to go on a bit of a RANT on this job because I referred her to a local body shop that I`ve been sending cars to for years. It`s very close to our work and is considered to be one of the best in the metro. She had a bad experience at another body shop before so she was VERY clear with her expectations when she dropped the car off. These pics are how the car was left after the body shops SECOND attempt to fix the damage they caused and to finish the poor workmanship. Now I`ve come to expect cars from a body shop to be full of holograms and maybe some tiny areas with sanding marks, but the burning of trim and compound all over this one is inexcusable IMO. The compound on the trim was also very difficult to remove and I was unable to fully restore the air ducts up front, though they improved quite a bit.

After seeing this car I will NEVER send another job to this shop again!

End Rant!



Before Pics

Top right corner is actually melted from the rotary buffer
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4532.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4532.jpg.html)

Compound in the textured plastic
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4533.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4533.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4550.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4550.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4534.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4534.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4535.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4535.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4536.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4536.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4537.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4537.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4538.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4538.jpg.html)

Owner said this scuff was from the tent and was supposed to have been fixed. It it pretty small but she noticed it and it should have been repainted.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4539.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4539.jpg.html)

Hood was painted an new stripes were applied...compound in the edge of this one.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4540.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4540.jpg.html)

Left over compound around lots of the upper trim pieces
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4541.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4541.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4542.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4542.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4549.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4549.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4543.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4543.jpg.html)

Light burn on the trim around the mirror
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4545.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4545.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4546.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4546.jpg.html)

This drives me nuts as the hood should have been sanded and buffed while these were still removed.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4547.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4547.jpg.html)

Large amount of compound under the hood
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4552.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4552.jpg.html)

Sanding marks left behind...keep in mind these are all after the second attempt to polish them out.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4553.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4553.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4554.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4554.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4556.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4556.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4557.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4557.jpg.html)

Typical holograms....these I can deal with and is what I expect, but she pointed them out when the car was brought back and they should have been addressed.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4560.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4560.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4561.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4561.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4564.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4564.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4566.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4566.jpg.html)

This REALLY irritates me! This hood was repainted, it should be flawless! Look at how deep these scratches are from the new stripes being applied! (I need to go back and get an after pic for these but they did come out)
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4569.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4569.jpg.html)

These tiny white specs are actually pin holes in the paint that are filled with compound. I had to look under magnification to verify what I was seeing.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150822-DSC_4581.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150822-DSC_4581.jpg.html)

[RaskyR1]

This is how a car with this much trim should be prepped for polishing. A $3 roll of tape could have saved all that damage.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4567.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150821-DSC_4567.jpg.html)

50/50
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150822-DSC_4575.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150822-DSC_4575.jpg.html)

Wrapping things up
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4584.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4584.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4585.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4585.jpg.html)

Noticed this light over spray when doing the glass
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4586.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4586.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4588.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4588.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4592.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4592.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4593.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4593.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4595.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4595.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4596.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4596.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4597.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4597.jpg.html)

couldn`t get these 100%
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4598.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4598.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4600.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4600.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4599.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4599.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4601.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4601.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4603.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4603.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4604.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4604.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4605.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4605.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4606.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4606.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4607.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4607.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4608.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4608.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4609.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4609.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4610.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4610.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4611.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4611.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4613.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4613.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4614.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4614.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4615.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4615.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4618.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4618.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4619.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4619.jpg.html)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4620.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/Body%20Shop%20hackage%20-%20Mini%20Coupe/20150823-DSC_4620.jpg.html)

Thanks for looking,
Rasky

[Marc08EX]

Great job as always Chad!!! You made it look better than new.

How did you clean up those compound residue in the textured plastic trim?

Did you talk to the body shop about their job on this mini cooper? Seems like they didn`t care and it`s just another job to them. I can`t believe anybody would send out a job like that... They`re supposed to be fixing things all the way. Not half way..

[RaskyR1]

Great job as always Chad!!! You made it look better than new.

How did you clean up those compound residue in the textured plastic trim?

Did you talk to the body shop about their job on this mini cooper? Seems like they didn`t care and it`s just another job to them. I can`t believe anybody would send out a job like that... They`re supposed to be fixing things all the way. Not half way..

Thanks Marc

I had to try multiple things actually. I started with Optimum Power Clean and a brush, this removed some of it but not the stubborn stuff. Then I tried steam with a brush and finally I used a wax & grease remover solvent on the really stubborn areas. I coated the trim with Opti-Lens when I was done which helped hide/clear up what wouldn`t come out in a couple areas.

I did email them about my disapproval and they wanted another chance to make things right. I said that won`t happen as you couldn`t fix it right the first two times and that I would do what I can to make it right. I believe she will be sharing these pics with them and her insurance company.

They were very polite and professional with here though, that much I can say on their behalf.

[mnehls86]

Excellent work as always Rasky! I`m sure she is way happier now and hopefully the insurance will cover everything. I love the lift you have in the garage too. It is crazy that you mentioned the car tent as I just saw this on FB this morning.
https://www.facebook.com/trendinginchina/videos/591073650996122/

[Pats300zx]

Beautiful work Chad. Obvisouly the client knew where to bring the car to "get it right".

[XxBoostinxX]

Nicely done Rasky. Keep up the good work!

[RDKC]

I would say that I can`t believe that the shop let it go looking like that but.... Anymore, I can believe it.

Nice save though Rasky! :bigups

[Paul Mitchell]

Great job! It looks better than new.

[mshu7]

That work from the body shop is un-real! Way to save that car! Fantastic work on a frustrating job, I`m sure.

[GearHead_1]

Might be a business opportunity staring you in the face. Go talk to the owner/manager. Show them the pictures you showed us. Let them know there is an optioin for there work to be shown in the best light after it goes through you. I can`t believe that who ever is in charge of this shop would be pleased with their work going out the door in the condition you photographed. Customers could not be happy with this result. You might just walk away with $$$`s in your pocket and a big "S" on your chest. Just spit balling here.

[Mike lambert]

I do a lot of that kind of work. The problem is insurance doesn`t pay the shops enough for them to take the time you did. Body shops want work in and out fast. Excellent work sir!

[RaskyR1]

Might be a business opportunity staring you in the face. Go talk to the owner/manager. Show them the pictures you showed us. Let them know there is an optioin for there work to be shown in the best light after it goes through you. I can`t believe that who ever is in charge of this shop would be pleased with their work going out the door in the condition you photographed. Customers could not be happy with this result. You might just walk away with $$$`s in your pocket and a big "S" on your chest. Just spit balling here.

Oh I`m sure they will see these pics. The owner of the car was really upset and was even considering trading it in after seeing how poor it looked. She plans to fill out the survey they sent her and write a letter to the shop owner.

I actually did a few cars for them back in the day (2006) when I was still doing volume style work. Not the kind of work I want to be doing now and they would never pay my advertised pricing anyway. ;)




I do a lot of that kind of work. The problem is insurance doesn`t pay the shops enough for them to take the time you did. Body shops want work in and out fast. Excellent work sir!

I hear you. I used to do a LOT of work for body shops, in fact that`s how I started out as my father is a body man and had is own shop for years. ;)

[GoFast908Z]

Nicely done Chad