The problem is:

Everyone wants to be a "Body Man" Where real body men straighten metal.
Facsimalies of, replace parts.

The quarter panel can be repaired by a competent "Body Man" with a minimum
of plastic filler, with less chance of squeaks, ratles and no telltale signs
of parts replacement, which detract from resale value.

Not to detract from your current shop, some think that they a "Too busy"
to do the metal work, when in fact, the metal repair is more profitable, and
there is a lesser chance of diminished value, plus saving the customer who
hasn't sufficient insurance coverage some money.

Depending on which state you live in, I could do the repair, offer a
lifetime warranty and give you pictures of the progressive repair, showing
the metal straightening process and the minimal amount of filler required to
do the final finishing job. Replacing the panel also requires the use of
fillers!

Refinish King


"James Sutherland" > wrote in message
...
> I've got some body damage to my 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan. The damage
> happened outside of insurance coverage (ex-wife, arg!) so now I need to
> get
> it fixed so I can sell the vehicle.
>
> I got a quote from the only body shop I've ever delt with. I'm not sure
> if
> it's a fair quote or not. Any Advice?
>
> Images of the damage:
> http://www.retlaw.net/IMG_3161.JPG
> http://www.retlaw.net/IMG_3162.JPG
>
> Quote:
> Body Labor $44/hr
> Paint Labor $44/hr
> Paint Supplies $23/hr
>
> SIDE LOADING DOOR
> Rpr LT Outer panel 9.5 body 2.0 paint
> Add for Clear Coat 0.8 paint
> R&I LT Uppter molding 0.3 body
> R&I LT Handle 0.4 body
> R&I LT Handle assist taupe 0.3 body
> Rpr SHELL 2.0 body
>
> SIDE PANEL
> Repl LT Side panel $794 14.5 body 3.5 paint
> Overlap Major Adj, Panel -0.4 paint
> Add for Clear Coat 0.6 paint
> R&I LT Side molding 0.3 body
> Rpr LT Wheelhouse Panel 2.5 body
> Repl Cover car/bag 0.2 body
> Rpr color tint 0.5 body
> Rpr Corrosion Protectant 0.3 paint
>
> Parts $794
> Body Labor 30.5hrs $1392
> Paint Labor 6.8hrs $299.20
> Paint Supplies 6.8hrs $156.40
>
> SUBTOTAL $2591.60
>
>