body and interior The Inevitable...crash! Not Bad, But Need Advice!

[lilcphoto]

(FYI, I pushed the bumper in so the accordion was already broken)

 

 

Well the inevitable happened. As I was driving down a 4 lane road (MLK and salmon) I was confronted with a vehicle that was to the left of me and decided to turn right down salmon at the last minute (I was too shook up to take a photo of the car that I hit but the damage happened at about 5-10 mph.)

 

Needless to say, I told her that I don't mind going about it without insurance but the likelyhood of finding a front fender to replace mine without painting it is going to be tough.

 

Let me point out that I am not in it for the money, she doesn't seem like the type to have a lot. If insurance gets involved I am prepared to fight for a fix without any issues, but who knows what will happen. I just want to know if anybody has a good source of front left fenders, or if theres a suggestion for a local PDX shop to deal with. If anything, I am not opposed to just taking the cash settlement and waiting to repair it till later on because in all honesty the car isn't perfect, a little dent in the front isn't the end of the world. It's no show car. I am basically looking for some solid advice as far as getting it fixed for as cheap and least-negative-karma possible approach.

 

What would you do?

[peterschop]

Good thing you have the big bumpers, could have been worse without them. There is someone on this list who is making body panels for our cars. I believe they are in Canada? They had front fenders listed for about $160. Of course you have to factor in the price of a new paint job.

[76dailydriver]

Restoration-design.com

They will have our fenders and many more panels..

[John_in_VA]

If she was at fault, and you have the car insured, get your insurance company involved. They may insist you use a used fender, but you have a good chance of finding one on the left coast - check in the classifieds. Compare used vs. reproduction as mentioned above. There is a PDX or PNW '02 group, so you might try reaching out to them for parts sources & body shop suggestions.

http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/pnw2002/info

Edited October 13, 2013 by John_in_VA

[roadhog0]

I dont know anywhere in the PDX area. But I had this happen and about 5 weeks ago to my 02 and the repair show said about 3300 to make it all look right with new parts and all that. I did get a check for that from my insurance company so I can get it fixed at some point now. Good luck man!

 

[nbcbird]

Nathan--FWIW, WA State has a Motor Vehicle Collision Report law that requires everyone to file (for damages over $700 I think).  I would get a repair estimate first to help you decide whether or not to claim on your insurance.  Factory fenders ($500+ or so) are a bit pricey, but it has been my experience that aftermarket panels do not fit as well.  Short of the front seam braising, you could replace the panel yourself fairly easily. Good luck.

 

Got confused with roadhogs pic showing the WA plate.  Do you mean Portland by PDX?

Edited October 13, 2013 by nbcbird

[roadhog0]

PDX is portland yah. Im up in Washington. I've got cash in hand from my insurance company to fix the damage now. Mines all said an done. Was just passing the info on to the OP.

[lilcphoto]

Oregon has a similar law about making a claim within 72 hours of the accident, and it being damages over $1500. I honestly don't think its that bad, though if I wanted it show quality finish, I am sure it would cost more.

 

I am more about getting a fair amount and calling it good. I don't want to gouge anybody, and more than likely, I'll wait to get it fixed as the car could use some other things for the same $$. Getting a good estimate and an understanding of replacement parts and suggestions from the community was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks

[willie002]

Just a small detail about dealing with the insurance companies and wording and phrases you use to explain what happened. You stated  (I was too shook up to take a photo of the car that I hit but the damage happened at about 5-10 mph.) she's the one that turned into you so she hit you. Her insurance company could try and make an issue of something like this if they want to argue about it. I know, I went though something like this recently.

[lilmo]

Get estimates from a production shop, a pricey custom shop, and a small "Mom & Pop" shop.  Average the numbers, get the check, then go to the M&P place and offer them 10% over their estimate.  It will take longer, be done right, and you'll have a friend next time this happens.

 

Try Peter Salzmann at Peter's Hobby Shop in Wilsonville, or Mike O'Hara in PDX.  They are mechanics, but I'm sure they can give you a couple references.

 

Good luck!

[lilcphoto]

I didn't have much time to head to some of the suggested body shops, but I wanted to get a quick quote, so I went to Jim Stevens which is just a few blocks from my car. Needless to say, everybody at the shop seemed excited to see the 74' and told me it wouldn't be hard to fix it right.

 

Got a quote for $848.45. 

(Front Bumper:) LT Face Bar Cushion, End (part # 51111814697 @ $54.45)

(Fender & Lamps:) Car Cover (no part # @ $5.00) and Hazardous Waste Removal @ $5.00

 

Parts: $64.45

Body Labor: 9.3 hrs @ $50/hr = $465

Paint Labor: 3.5 hrs @ $50/hr = $175

Paint Supplies 3.5 hrs @ $30/hr = $105

Body Supplies 6 hrs @ $6.50 = $39

total = $848.45

 

Not over the $1500, but definitely worth going through insurance. I'll move forward with that and then find out a few more quotes