I am starting to wonder if there is such a thing as a good body repair shop. Some of you will be aware of the palaver I went through with Portslade Panelworks last year (http://www.ludegeneration.co.uk/body-wo ... t2103.html). I have now had a very negative experience with a local body repair shop called Crawley Down Group (http://www.cdg-cars.com).
During November, a minibus drove into the side of my car, causing superficial damage to the rear off-side of my car:
I won't bore you with the details of the ongoing insurance claim in this thread. On Monday 9th January I dropped off my car at Crawley Down Group and I collected it on Thursday 12th at 17:00 (when dark). They did give me the opportunity to inspect their work in one of their lit garages, but I declined, foolishly having faith in their work. When I got in the car, I noted that they had knocked off my car's steering wheel mounted stereo remote control and placed it in the centre console (was originally glued to the air bag casing on the opposite side to the cruise control buttons). It would have at least been professional for them to admit to it and apologise, but no.
On Saturday 14th January, I noticed problems:
- 1) A large lacquer drip between the PRELUDE lettering on the rear bumper.
2) A lot of the lacquer has been removed from the top edge of the rear number plate recess.
3) Cracked off-side rear fog light lens (I have two rear fog lights).
4) A patch of red paint on my refurbished off-side rear alloy wheel.
I believe the number plate recess lacquer damage was done using an orbital buffer and the rear fog light lens was damaged by over tightening the screws. I haven't photographed the patch of red paint on my alloy wheel as that polished away easily.
I took by car back to Crawley Down Group on Monday 16th January. Shockingly, they disputed my claims saying that my car was already like that when they got it! I explained that I've owned my car for over 6 years and I generally wash it every 2 weeks, so I have a very intimate knowledge of my car's bodywork. So, I had no choice but to report the matter to my insurance company the next morning.
On 30th November, before my car was booked in for "repairs", the insurance company sent an independent assessor to inspect my car. On Wednesday 18th January, they sent the same person again to inspect the new damage.
He reported back to the insurance company, agreeing with my assertions, but Crawley Down Group were still in denial. My insurance company came to a compromise whereby they would pay for parts (replacement rear bumper PRELUDE lettering & fog light) and Crawley Down Group would supply labour & materials. I explained that due to their poor workmanship and diabolical attitude, there is no way I could trust them with my car again, however, they can have the rear bumper (with damaged fog light) only. When I phoned Crawley Down Group to book in my rear bumper they said it should be ready the following day.
On Sunday 29th January, I removed my rear bumper and detached the skirt, undamaged near-side rear fog light and the plastic part behind the rear number plate recess which the recess is secured to. While doing this I noted some other minor problems:
- 1) The rubber grommet that the off-side rear fog light cable goes through into the boot was not refitted so there was a hole in my boot.
2) 2 of those black plastic trim clips which secure the rear skirt to the arms coming off the bottom of the boot where refitted upside down.
3) I was already aware that 2 of the fixings (clip nut & bolt) for the rear skirt were already missing and I replaced them with 2 of the aforementioned black plastic trim clips. Now one of them was missing.
My dad dropped off my rear bumper on my behalf (I couldn't face them again without losing my temper) on the morning of Monday 30th January. Disappointingly, my rear bumper and recess were not ready for collection until Thursday! Yes, it took them 3 whole days the respray a bumper with number plate recess. Anyway, in their favour, it has been repaired to a satisfactory standard this time.
Please bear all of this in mind if anyone is considering using their services in the future!
