Bodywork damage.

[Rockhopper]

My beautiful Z4 was assaulted by a section of metal fence around one of our sites. The wind blew it over and into my car. The builder has said he’ll pay to sort it which is fair enough but the car is 20 years old and it’s never had any paint so I want a decent job.
I’ve had quotes from local body shops of around £500 plus VAT. I also got one from chipsaway. They quoted £216.

Will they do a decent job for that money?

 

[j3nks79]

I wouldn’t have a smart repair by chipsaway.
Body shop only but being silver id want that blended into the door else the colour will be a mismatch

 

[Rockhopper]

Yes, the body shop said they’d blend it in.

 

[Mr Tidy]

I had a couple of repairs done by Chips Away on my silver 1 Series and they did a good job. The problem is that it's a franchise business so the job will only be as good as the franchisee for your postcode is.

One of my marks was self-inflicted, the other was supermarket trolley rash so I took a punt on Chips Away, but in your situation I think I'd be going for the bodyshop option.

 

[JakeS76]

I had chips away do a paint job on a silver car and was disappointed. A body shop is likely to be a lot better.

 

[coldel]

Used a mobile company before and the outcome was good, as others have mentioned it does depend on the person doing it.
He even did a few other minor bits in the same area and didnt charge because he wanted the result to look really good.
That was on my old coupe.

But yes, mobile is cheaper for a number of reasons (overheads etc) but also that they do it in a few hours, in a shop they will have baking facilities etc to properly cure the work over time. So the result is undoubtedly much longer lasting, however it doesn't guarantee the work to be better, ive had body shops do utterly shoddy work.

 

[Beerman]

I wouldn't want a smart repair there, or on silver.

Silver is a hard colour to match.

 

[raymond.harper]

Consider a second-hand wing in the same colour. You may have to wait to get the right one.

 

[Meds]

What a PITA.
I can see a slight deformation along the edge, so it's larger job that just paint.
I'd get the bodyshop involved, they'll have the equipment and location to get that back to new, and blended.

 

[Rockhopper]

yes, there is a dent. I'll consider a wing - trouble is they are not as easy to change as the front ones. There is at least one bolt under the roof.

 

[Bodyboarder]

Where are you from ? I’ve just had a scratch done by very very good mobile paint repair chap …. And I’m very fussy

Ah you’re miles away unfortunately

 

[Rockhopper]

Near Mansfield. I’ve had quotes from £275 up to £1100! It’s a dent as well as a scratch sadly.

 

[Meds]

You should be looking at around 250-300 for a panel prep and paint, then whatever labour/work is required to push that crease out.

Unfortunately, that crease will need to be got at from the inside, and the only access to it is with the wing off, there's a 'middle' wing between the arch liner and the outer wing that prevents any access to the underside. (or at least that's how the Coupe is)

I recently removed the rear wing from my Coupe and it took me around 4 hours, but I was faffing.

Or, they prep and fill it, then paint. I suspect that will be less labour than removing the rear wing.

 

[Rockhopper]

No one so far has suggested anything other that a small amount of filler. I'd imagine stripping it enough to get to the underside to push it out would cost substantially more - and it'd still need filling! Four quotes (ignoring chipsaway) ranging from £500 to £1100.
I've not yet found a used wing thats in better condition than the one I already have as well!

 

[Beerman]

A used wing might not be a good colour match.

Body shops have become really expensive in recent years. Your high end quotes are expensive.

The builder might not be so happy to pay if he is facing a bill much larger than expected.

 

[coldel]

I do think fill, paint, blend. it really isnt that big a bit of damage to warrant throwing a tonne of money at it.
I wouldnt be paying any more than £500 however you get it done.
Just bear in mind you aren't paying, and you need to get it signed off by the builder.

 

[Rockhopper]

The builder isn’t the problem, I’ve just paid him nearly £1million for a project they’ve just completed for me. Our chief exec and the Mayor were there at the time and all saw what happened - what I want is a decent job and if chips away will do one for £270 I’m not going to force him to spend £500.
It sounds though like they might not be that good so I’ll be going with the more expensive option.

 

[Special Kay]

The builder isn’t the problem, I’ve just paid him nearly £1million for a project they’ve just completed for me. Our chief exec and the Mayor were there at the time and all saw what happened - what I want is a decent job and if chips away will do one for £270 I’m not going to force him to spend £500.
It sounds though like they might not be that good so I’ll be going with the more expensive option.

Apologies for throwing a spanner in the works. However, my brother in law had a few car park dings taken out by chips away in with great success. I admit, its a bit of a lottery, as the level of expertise varies between chips away traders. I personally would give them a go. But good luck whichever option you finally end up taking. I'm sure it will look wonderful . If all else fails, my chinese chiropractor also does nails as a side hustle, I'm sure she could infill that scratch and paint it in whichever colour you wish. She charges more for 2 or more colours. :rofl:

 

[raymond.harper]

A one hour and 45 minute drive away from you but a chance to compare the colour perhaps. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256058183307?_ul=GB&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338990947&toolid=10001&customid=eb%3Ax%3Avms%3Aeb%3Ap%3A256058183307%3B&gad_source=1

 

[BMWZ4MC]

The builder isn’t the problem, I’ve just paid him nearly £1million for a project they’ve just completed for me…

In that case, if he wants the next project, it sounds like he should be buying you the McLaren that Beedub is hankering after