Guess The Cost to Repair This Bentley?

[Flashtime]

Since there aren't labor guides available for this Bentley, i'd assume

it would be similar or higher than that of Mercedes. No offense, to David

here, but my gut tells me that 4g's is a bit too low; just how much,

i'm not sure. It would cost me around $130 to have a wheel reconditioned

on like a Honda and, also, around $200 to R&I both glass; on a Honda.

This is not a Honda and the prices for these sublet items would be marked

up around 20%... But 6 hours for the leg is too generous, even 3 hours

would be generous (what i would ask for if feather-prime-block is not given).



However, dealer (and DRP) estimates are generally too inflated.

And that's putting it mildly...

 

[Flashtime]

David,



Join us here: Refinish Network - Auto Body Repair Community



Many other body shop owners might find this interesting. And would definitely

be more insightful (No offense to the Autopians here).



Apparently, i'm the only body shop owner here. And you're the only field

appraiser... I do get the feeling you have something against collision repairers

in general. I don't blame you. But there are independent shops that actually

do more than what you may write. This is really beyond the scope of this

forum...

 

[Setec Astronomy]

Apparently, i'm the only body shop owner here.

I think SaintlySins who is here in NJ owns a bodyshop...or some kind of shop, but I don't see him posting much recently.

 

[Flashtime]

Few more forums with seasoned pros:



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Autobody Pro: Pro Forum

 

[DaGonz]

I used to work part time detailing for Foreign Motors West. Back in 1996, the labor rate Rolls Royce/Bentley certified coachwork technician was $95 an hour... I can onlyimagine what it is now.



Rolls Royce/Bentley did not allow bondo to be used... any repairs had to be done the old fashioned way... with lead.

 

[Setec Astronomy]

Rolls Royce/Bentley did not allow bondo to be used... any repairs had to be done the old fashioned way... with lead.

Boy, I knew they were heavy already, but that would really make them a lead sled!

 

[Flashtime]

It's highly unwise for an insurance appraiser to be posting this and underestimating

forum members. And showing contempt/bias towards collision shops he deals with.



Be careful David.

 

[David Fermani]

Apparently, i'm the only body shop owner here. And you're the only field

appraiser... This is really beyond the scope of this

forum...

Agreed. I responded to you on your forum.

 

[pingable]

David -



As a adjuster.....I'm curious depending on the quality/level of the bodyshop....do you let things slide a little bit.



Wifey did a fender bender and I expected a bumper and headlight replacement. The body shop I use is great. They are 1 of out 8 or 9 shops in NA that have a carbench that can do lambo, etc. Full octupus setup...shop is really clean, etc.



I'm not sure if a higher repair estimate hurts the insurer at the end (when going against comp), but my simple bumper/headlight was approved at almost 7K total. This was being *thorough* including per the estimate, 2 hrs on the carbench, etc, etc.



I don't really care as long as the car is done proper. Hell, I'm not even sure if the adjust looked up parts price, cause the price on the headlight was around $1200 on the estimate, and I think straight dealer price is closer to like $650'ish.



Just blurbing outloud...

 

[David Fermani]

Sure, I make concessions as needed.



Did the repair on your vehicle require a Car Bench system? Tyically when a dedicated bench is used, the set-up alone is 4-6 hours due how extensive the jig system is. Great machine BTW.

 

[Scottwax]

I know it's a Bentley, but why would that cost soo much more to fix than if the same thing happened to a Honda Accord or any other car? That wheel can be fixed quite easily, why replace it ??, the fender is just a normal fender, straighten out the dent, fill in and paint..

Very expensive cars are made of the same materials as any other car, that is just metal, plastic and paint, simple as that..

Yes if you want to match the factory quality paint on a Bentley.

 

[pingable]

The quote that was approved was padded....for all sorts of things which I did not expect to see. Definately did not need to go on the carbench. Going back to my previous post, not sure if the *higher repair* costs will affect the customer at the end of the day from a premium standpoint.



Their work is top notch though....bi level.Floors are heated to reduce dust, all sanding is done via vacumm equipped sanders, Lutro booths , just short of amazing..



My guess on my quote was 66% less, but what do I know ;-)