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Wife had a minor single car accident during the last snow storm here in Southern New England. Took the car to a local body shop that was recommended by my insurance company.
They did a great job on the body work but left something to be desired when it came to some of the "minor" details. The damage was primarily on the rear passenger door and rear quarter panel in the corner where the tail light sits... In order to "blend" the paint they needed to paint the whole side of the car which included removing the door handles and body molding. also rear bumper cover was replaced. I found the following problems after I picked up the car:
1) Passenger window would not go down more than 2". Inside panel needed to be removed to access one of the bolts to remove the door handle. Window was working prior to sending the car for repair (we had some nice weather between the accident and repair during which the windows were down). I have never seen the inside of a 700/900 door but I guess the window is gripped by some foam or something in there, no pins running through the glass and arm. Is is possible that this foam material can come unstuck from the window if you try to motor it down while the glass is stuck?
2) Molding on same door was stuck back on with double sided sticky tape. I believe there are clips that should hold it on. With the tape adding some depth to the trim it wouldn't fit in the gap between the door and front fender which didn't allow the door to be opened properly and also pulled the molding away from the door.
3) Aftermarket tail light gasket was way too thick, it's not fluid but it looks like it was "oozing" out from around it. Made the lamp look slightly cock-eyed.
4) Left tail light which was not involved in the accident mysteriously acquired a chip which was glued back into place. I know this car inside and out. It wasn't there before I brought it in.
The body shop questioned both #1 and #4 and stated that they don't know these things could have happened. #1 was fixed but with alot of grumbling from the shop owner. Doesn't it make sense that they were the last (and probably the first) ones to remove that door panel and that any problems in that area are most likely related to the work that was performed?? #4 was also replaced with an aftermarket light, looks decent but again with some "I don't know how that could have happened here" remarks. Why can't people take responsibility for their actions and mistakes?
Anyhow, the best advice I can give to any car owner prior to taking their vehicle in for repair is: TAKE PICTURES OF ALL CORNERS OF THE CAR INCLUDING UNDAMAGED AREAS as well as any mechanical items (ie: windows going all the way up and down).
Thanks for listening,
Bean
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