CityOfAngels

I had some damage done to the back door of my car. It runs down the middle.

I'll try taking pics tomorrow but what should I expect to pay around? Will the whole door need to be replaced on these cars?

CityOfAngels

This thread is pretty useless without pics so its just more of a vent for me right now.

Only had the car for 3 weeks and it's been at the dealer twice, broke down on the highway, and was hit into objects twice over this past weekend.

pearlpower

Thus life in the fast lane. Sorry man for the troubles. What color is your ride? That makes a difference right there. Dark colors allow for spot repair within a panel. Metallics like silver-OMG, PITA. When I painted my bumper, I just went ahead and blended into the hood and both fenders for a perfect blend. Then cleared the whole damn thing. Silver being what it is. Post up some pics, let's see the damage, I can give better advice that way.

CityOfAngels

Yah thanks for the support bro. Its actually silver so it is what it is. I have insurance so maybe that will come into play but I'm not sure how much insurance covers etc as I've never used it before. I'll try to get some pics tonight or tomorrow.

togaclk55

Hopefully not too much...

pearlpower

Middle or side of the door? Middle would allow for a possible panel blend (keep in the door) and blend out to the original silver to the edge then clear the entire door. If it is closer then say 18" from an edge , then it will most likely need to be blended into the adjoining panel for a good blend which adds to the cost and subsequent risks (tough to find a painter that cares about their work or your car). I just shake my head when I'm at a car show and see bad paint work while the owner is usually ecstatic over the 'quality.' Amazing what people deem acceptable on nice cars.

CityOfAngels

I just took some pics but its dark outside so you can't really see much. It seems like there is a slight dent right in the middle of the door. The chrome trim piece is totaled but that can be replaced. The scratches in the top portion of the door are kinda deep though, I'm not sure if they can be filled or how that works.

You can't really see the dent from the picture but its there.

CityOfAngels

_AMG_

Sorry to hear about the damage, doesn't look like it will buff out.
Both driver and passenger doors will probably have to get repainted for color matching purposes.
If so, it will probably cost around $800-$1000.

GT-ER

I say $500-$800 due to the color matching.

novae500

What caused that? Parking garage column?

pearlpower

OK, with pics, few options. If you go into a regular Joe, they will want to most likely take it into both panels, 1/4 and front door. A very good shop might be able to match it up well and keep it in the door. I recommend finding someone using the new PPG water based paint with over 2000 paint chips. It will come very close to a match and a one panel blend should be possible if they are very good at what they do. Let us know.

CityOfAngels

Thanks, I'll try looking for a shop that does that. Theyl need to order the bottom chrome trim piece for sure cause it's really smashed up. But what about the rest of the dent in the door? Can they smooth something like that back out? And I'm guessing they'll need to put a filler in the scratches before repainting?

CityOfAngels

The dent is only on the middle/bottom portion of the door. The top crease that flows throughout the car is fine, so I'm thinking they will be able to fix the rest of the dent. As long as I don't have to get the whole door replaced I will be ok.

Also, if anyone has any body/paint shop recommendations in the Bay Area, specifically on the Peninsula, please let me know.

CharlyE500

+1 this is minor job for a Bodyshop. It shouldn't cost more.

Johncy2000

All Makes Auto in San Mateo. Look for Jose Rivas.

CityOfAngels

Thanks good to hear!

But what is the process like to fill in the scratches? Do they put some type of filler before painting?

pearlpower

Depends on one's expectations. Bodywork is minor, the paint is far from it. Most shops cannot match up silver properly, simple as that, while many owners are simply too forgiving with the work they receive from a shop. Take 100 cars just painted and I will pick apart 99 of them.

GT-ER

While I agree, the only reason I'd expect a $500-$800 bill is because of what you said. Nearly the whole side will need to be painted to match properly. But it's not that hard of a job.

CityOfAngels

I'm going to try taking it to the dealer tomorrow, they have a collision center.

BBBSS

Most dealer paint shops seem to be hacks. Your in a very big city, is there a local board where the car people hang out? I'd ask around on there. I take all my paint work to a very small mostly 1 man shop that's an hour away from me. Only way I know of him is through word of mouth in the local car community. He's crazy about all the little details and makes sure things are right even if he has to spend a lil more time at his expense to make it that way. The car guys will be the pickiest people, and will give some of the best advice in my opinion.

pearlpower

I think your pretty close. Generally $350-$450 a panel+MB factor. Get 3 estimates and compare.

CityOfAngels

I just moved out here so I don't really know any car guys except Johncy200, so Ill check out the place he suggested tomorrow. If there are any other members in the area, please let me know.

GT-ER

Crap...forgot about the MB tax.

CityOfAngels

I went to a couple places today that specialize in higher end cars like MB, BMW, Porsche, etc. They both quoted around $2.5-3k for this as a new door panel will most likely be necessary, along with some blending.