Anything to pay attention when going to body shop for paint repair

[msy288]

Hope this is not counted as a duplicated post since I posted it earlier on Dodge Ram forum but no one replied

Long story short: Basically I scratched the rear right fender and the rear door handle of my Laramie Sport last weekend when reverse parking into my garage (I was too careless this time since I did park it several times before with cautions as the door opening is very narrow). The fender and door handle hit the wood frame and I only heard the bam sound of door handle hitting the frame while the rear fender was already scratched when the vehicle was halfway in. Anyway, filed a claim and will go to the body shop which insurance company suggested soon for repair and prepare to pay for $500 deductible (ready for future premium raise) to get it fully repaired. I guess the fender can be removed/paint repaired, while the door handle will be replaced rather than being re-painted? Although the photo show scratch all over the fender, they are quite shallow. Anything particular to pay attention, or need to let the body shop knows in order to make sure the job is to be done properly? Thanks folks!

 

[PurpleRT]

- yep make sure they’ll repairing and repainting the fender flare off the truck and not just fixing and repainting on the truck and risk unnecessary masking marks and overspray from getting everywhere.
- removal of the flare is simple 8-10 8mm socket screws hold it in and maybe a panel tool to remove
- doesn’t look like it scratched or damaged the beside from what I can tell, i would do the removal install myself personally and not go through insurance should be easily do able for $500. IIRC I paid $100 when I had removed my flare myself and dropped it off to be repaired/repainted. The door handle is a little more of a uninstall/ reinstall but should easily be do able if you have basic repair knowledge, that I would just replace it with a new already painted one as well.


Edit:

DODGE RAM 1500 DT 1 Diamond Black Exterior Rear Door Handle NEW OEM MOPAR | eBay

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Then just removal the flare and have it repaired and repainted or find one new or slightly used but great condition on eBay. This shouldn’t be an expensive repair especially if you do the labor yourself and wouldn’t bother with insurance.

 

[HemiDude]

Building on what @PurpleRT said, I am curious what the total repair quote is. From your pics it doesn't look like $500 worth of damage, for just bolt-on parts and paint.

 

[msy288]

- yep make sure they’ll repairing and repainting the fender flare off the truck and not just fixing and repainting on the truck and risk unnecessary masking marks and overspray from getting everywhere.
- removal of the flare is simple 8-10 8mm socket screws hold it in and maybe a panel tool to remove
- doesn’t look like it scratched or damaged the beside from what I can tell, i would do the removal install myself personally and not go through insurance should be easily do able for $500. IIRC I paid $100 when I had removed my flare myself and dropped it off to be repaired/repainted. The door handle is a little more of a uninstall/ reinstall but should easily be do able if you have basic repair knowledge, that I would just replace it with a new already painted one as well.


Edit:

DODGE RAM 1500 DT 1 Diamond Black Exterior Rear Door Handle NEW OEM MOPAR | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for DODGE RAM 1500 DT 1 Diamond Black Exterior Rear Door Handle NEW OEM MOPAR at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Then just removal the flare and have it repaired and repaired or find one new or slightly used but great condition on eBay. This shouldn’t be an expensive repair especially if you do the labor yourself and wouldn’t bother with insurance.

Thanks a lot for the info and advices! I am not very handy so I guess I will bring it to the body shop and let them do it instead of messing it up again by myself .

 

[msy288]

Building on what @PurpleRT said, I am curious what the total repair quote is. From your pics it doesn't look like $500 worth of damage, for just bolt-on parts and paint.

I guess they will charge more than 1 grands at least no matter how small the work is considering the current labor rate (especially when insurance company is involved). Will see how it goes.

 

[HemiDude]

I guess they will charge more than 1 grands at least no matter how small the work is considering the current labor rate (especially when insurance company is involved). Will see how it goes.

Well for a shop those are two relatively easy tasks, so you should it back quickly and correct

 

[msy288]

This is just dxxx ridiculous! I dropped my truck to Caliber Collision (insurance company) in my area yesterday evening, and this morning they called me the catalytic converter was stolen yesterday night!! Also the thieves made more scratches over the body!! Just came back from the store and the store manager asked me to take care of converter by myself through my own insurance?? WTF. I told them no and you need to fix everything. Alright let me make another post on it.

 

[PurpleRT]

Wow


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[HemiDude]

That sucks! Converter theft is a big thing theses days. Some shops have language in the paperwork you sign to release them from damages and theft, you should definitely review that to see how hard you might need to push that shop

 

[msy288]

That sucks! Converter theft is a big thing theses days. Some shops have language in the paperwork you sign to release them from damages and theft, you should definitely review that to see how hard you might need to push that shop

I cannot remember the document I signed yesterday when I checked in and I didn't take the copy with me either. Who would expect this can happen in Caliber Collision which claimed to be the biggest collision center in the Nation. I called my insurance about the incident and they (Progressive) said Caliber should take the full responsibility by their own insurance (even for my rental car). Anyway I am going to consult with lawyer to see them in court if they decline to repair eventually.

 

[msy288]

Well, made a deal with the body shop. I file a comprehensive claim using my insurance and they pay the deductible. Too bother to go for a lawsuit and not worth it.