Body Shop Adviice

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

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
>
>

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
>
>

I would say that is very fair.
Every thing looks in order to me. Automotive paint is very expensive,
and hegoing to repair a door rather than replace or skin it.
If it were me, I'd go for it.

I would say that is very fair.
Every thing looks in order to me. Automotive paint is very expensive,
and hegoing to repair a door rather than replace or skin it.
If it were me, I'd go for it.

Your numbers don't jive. The total I get is 1847.60. Which based on my
experience over the last couple of years is a fair price for the
damage. All of these guys work with the flat rate book these days,
which will make any reputable shop competitive with one another. Make
sure he knows you are taking this out of your pocket and ask if he can
do better for cash rather than a card.

As an example I had a surface crease in two of the doors on my
Intrepid in the lower panel and a small inch tear in the side of the
front facia and they wanted $1300 here on Long Island in NY.

Good luck.

Bill

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

Your numbers don't jive. The total I get is 1847.60. Which based on my
experience over the last couple of years is a fair price for the
damage. All of these guys work with the flat rate book these days,
which will make any reputable shop competitive with one another. Make
sure he knows you are taking this out of your pocket and ask if he can
do better for cash rather than a card.

As an example I had a surface crease in two of the doors on my
Intrepid in the lower panel and a small inch tear in the side of the
front facia and they wanted $1300 here on Long Island in NY.

Good luck.

Bill

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

You forgot to add in the line item:

$764.00 Side panel.

Refinish King


"Bill" > wrote in message
om...
> Your numbers don't jive. The total I get is 1847.60. Which based on my
> experience over the last couple of years is a fair price for the
> damage. All of these guys work with the flat rate book these days,
> which will make any reputable shop competitive with one another. Make
> sure he knows you are taking this out of your pocket and ask if he can
> do better for cash rather than a card.
>
> As an example I had a surface crease in two of the doors on my
> Intrepid in the lower panel and a small inch tear in the side of the
> front facia and they wanted $1300 here on Long Island in NY.
>
> Good luck.
>
> Bill
>
> 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

You forgot to add in the line item:

$764.00 Side panel.

Refinish King


"Bill" > wrote in message
om...
> Your numbers don't jive. The total I get is 1847.60. Which based on my
> experience over the last couple of years is a fair price for the
> damage. All of these guys work with the flat rate book these days,
> which will make any reputable shop competitive with one another. Make
> sure he knows you are taking this out of your pocket and ask if he can
> do better for cash rather than a card.
>
> As an example I had a surface crease in two of the doors on my
> Intrepid in the lower panel and a small inch tear in the side of the
> front facia and they wanted $1300 here on Long Island in NY.
>
> Good luck.
>
> Bill
>
> 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

The shop manager talked about repairing rather then replacing the rear
quarter panel, since I told him I was paying for it myself and we have a
mutual friend. He was sure he could repair the door, but unsure about the
quarter panel. So he got one of his metal guys who looked at it. He was
worried that he wouldn't be able to get the crease at the flair near the
wheel to look right.

Any comments on that?

I'm in the Portland Oregon Metro area if anyone has any sujestions for good
shops around here.

Thanks for the info so far!
-James


"Refinish_King1" > wrote in message
newsdQdd.9154$oU3.7030@trndny04...
> 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
>>
>>
>
>