WMC - Body Shop Advice / Insurance RANT!

cptinjak · 11-12-2009, 07:45 PM

As some of you know, I've been struggling with my insurance company and a certain body shop for the better part of the year now. They've painted my rear bumper three times after I was hit while parked this sumer.

After the second time, I was given the ok by State Farm to go somewhere else. During my research of local shops, I was contacted by the owner of the original shop, who has been dealing with my parents, and other family and friends for years. He sweet-talked me into letting them have another stab at it.

My rear bumper is currently about 1-2 shades darker than the rest of the car. There is clearcoat overspray on my right rear quarter, and 3-4new scratches from their lack of attention while working on it. I witnessed one of their techs drive it into a curb so hard that when the frame rails hit under the front bumper, his head fell forward. This is a group of some of the least professional people I have ever encountered.

Oh, they lost one of my valve stem caps too... *shrug*

Needless to say, after three strikes, I put my foot down and refused to let this body shop touch my car. I called claims and informed them a different, more competent shop needed to fix my car properly as soon as possible. They promptly told me to kick rocks. I'm not exaggerating, they said "We will only pay for it if you let them try to fix it again." (this would have been the FOURTH time they tried)

Not happening.

I pulled some strings, dropped some names, and got in touch with a few higher-ups. After enough people had been threatened, I have finally been given permission to go anywhere I'd like to for the repairs.

I will be talking to Ravenna Auto Body tomorrow. Anyone have any suggestions on shops that will do quality work? I seem to attract ****ty body work like a magnet. Any info/advice will help.

thanks so much WMC

Jack

slolane · 11-12-2009, 07:51 PM

I am sure there will be a few here tell you Impact is the best place to take a vette.

cptinjak · 11-12-2009, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slolane

I am sure there will be a few here tell you Impact is the best place to take a vette.

Last time Shawn was there, the guy showed him a car as an example of their work, and he said "did you paint the (insert body panel here)?"

"how did you know???"

"because it's all fisheyed. I don't even have to go within ten feet."

They seemed sketchy when I went in too, as if a 20-something kid in steeltoes and a greasy shirt wasn't worth 100% customer care.

Maybe I caught them on a bad day though.

DebRedZR1GSVert · 11-12-2009, 08:16 PM

I actually had good luck at the Stealership-Decker in Rockford, they were freinds of Rs so that helped

Paint matched and looked better than new! No azzhats playin with the car.

NassauCoupe99 · 11-14-2009, 11:13 AM

Impact is the only place i will ever take my cars. their work is excelent. They painted our 96 three or four years ago and it looks better than new. We also had them paint our whole rear bumper 2 years ago on the C5. Nassau blue is just like silver when it comes to matching the color and you cant even tell it was ever painted. about half of TLS's car was painted there as well about 5 years ago. look at his car and look at ours. My Grand Prix is going in there as well in 2 weeks to have them repair and repaint my fender that someone hit. your more than welcome to check out my GP when they are done. they are gunna paint the whole front end and hood.

60vettesdr · 11-14-2009, 11:33 AM

I would highly recommend Roger and the guys at Impact. They painted my 1960 after there was fire in the engine compartment and it is significantly better then when it came off the assembly line. I would never take my vette anywhere else. Just my .02.

Scott