Rear 1/4 Panel Damage, Repair or Replace?

[CulverC4]

Hey everyone,
Well, I was on a jobsite looking over a few things, when my client backs into the rear passenger side quarter panel, where the upper bumper meets the rear deck (i have a convertible). I have been to J&D Corvette in Bellflower, CA and Coast Corvette in Anaheim, CA where both recommend I replace the rear deck panel and bumper, as a tear developed above the rear side marker light's upper left-hand corner up to the black bodyside molding. The quarter panel itself is cracked and there has been separation of the bumper and quarter panel by about 2mm. The client stated that he would pay for the damages himself rather than go through his insurance, but after seeing J&D's quote of $6,200 and Coast's quote of $3,500 he's beginning to balk and says he will only pay to repair, not replace the damaged areas. To make matters worse, he wants me to take it to his secretary's family member's shop that's about an hour's drive from my home. I saw a lot of Honda's and Ford's, but no corvettes or other high end/difficult to repair properly vehicles. Should I be worried? Can a repair look like new? I don't want to be finnicky, but seeing that the repair will only be about $1,800 I am concerned about quality. I just want my girl to look like she did before. ;help

 

[Fast Freddie]

get the insurance company involved...

 

[Toms007]

I say take it where it will be done right, if not you will be unhappy.

 

[B17Crew]

Pad your next job quote for him by $6,200.00.

Seriously, I would not want a repair shop that is not well versed in Corvettes repairing sheet molded compound (SMC) body damage.

B17Crew

 

[gmjunkie]

Post some good Photos,All angles and I CAN tell you if it can be successfully Repaired!!!! Sometimes Repair is Better Sometimes Not!!Just have to see it!!:W:W I've had a little experience with a couple C4 Corvettes!!

 

[nickyg]

get the insurance company involved...

I totally agree. This way you hopefully will get the repair you want and have peace of mind.

 

[air1jpg]

get the insurance company involved...

I third that, at least report it to your insurance company and get your vette repiared properly somewhere well versed in vettes. Your insurance company will then go after your client or your clients insurance company for reimbursement. Though, you really should have gotten a police report done, the insurance company should be able process without it.

 

[air1jpg]

get the insurance company involved...

I third that.. hnoes
At least report it to your insurance company and get your vette repaired properly somewhere well versed in vettes. I definitely would not trust the secretaries’ family shop. Your insurance company will then go after your client or your clients’ insurance company for reimbursement. Though, you really should have gotten a police report done, the insurance company should be able process without it.

 

[CulverC4]

Well, I settled with my client for $2,000. I will be taking the car to Coast Corvette where the charge for repair is $3,500. In other words, I'm paying $1,500 out of my pocket to get it repaired properly. Yeah, it may seem like I'm getting screwed but the fact that this guy is a pretty big client of mine made me take the hit now, rather than later with lost projects which would cost me ALOT more. Sometimes business is shady like that, the big guy strong arms the little guy all while smiling in his face. I will post pics asap, probably tomorrow before I take the vette in, they're thinking about 7 full days of repair.

 

[Fast Freddie]

i understand the position your in.... i also agree that the out of pocket money should/would be made up on the next couple of transactions with the client. maybe a bit more for the hassle..