Nick

I've just got my 99my DBM car back from my dealer after getting some work done.

At the petrol station, I noticed to my horror, some paint had peeled off the rear bumper. This was caused by the dealer steam cleaning my car.

Taking the car back to Atkins, they agreed to fix it without argument & the car is going in for some spray work next week.

Should I ask for a new bumper, a completely respayed bumper or let them get a specialist to just repair the damage?

ozzy

Hi Nick,

You don't need to replace the whole bumper. Get them to respray the whole lot though. With a car your age, they should take the bumper off, put some primer on, then do a complete respray.

If you did fit a new bumper it would just be primed anyway and the dealer would still have to do a full respray, so there's no difference as far as blending the colour into your existing paintwork.

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES agree for them to just respray the bit thats peeling. It might last 12 months and then just start to peel again where the new paint meets the old.

I had some unfortunate luck on the Motorway not long after getting my car. The dealer felt sorry for me and fixed the bumper for only £70. They took off the bumper, filled in the scratches, applied the primer and did a great respray job.

I had the same work estimated by various other Dealers and got quotes ranging from £150 - £250, so it just goes to show that most bodyshops make a lot of money repairing cars

What the hell were they doing Steam Cleaning the bodywork anyway ? I though that just happened to the engine compartment to get rid of all the oilly crap.

Anyway, chill out, at least you don't have to pay for it

Cheers,
Stefan

Nick

Thanks Stefan

I had to give the dealer every chance to fix the damage. They promised that I would not see where it was done. Today (Sunday) was the first real opportunity to see the repair & I'm not impressed. The sprayer seems to have just lightly sprayed over the top of the area where the paint had come off. I can clearly see the black bumper underneath part of the area.

I'm just about to fax Atkins Motors!

The problem is, although you correctly mention that I shouldn't worry & I won't have to pay for it, I have now had to take time off work 3 times & it's still not fixed. I have no time for messing about, it's nearly y2k time & I have clients to sort out. Each trip to Atkins both costs me about £75 in lost time & more importantly. messes up my diary planning.

ozzy

Hi Nick,

Sorry to hear the damage hasn't been repaired correctly.

The Dealer should re-spray the WHOLE bumper. My Dealer gaveme the option - a quick fix or get it done properly. They admitted that respraying just a spot on the bumper will eventually peel away at the edged. They said it would only last about 12 months.

I know it's a lot of hassle, but if you give up and just accept their work you'll live to regret it - and you won't have any comeback if things get serious.

Stick to yer guns and don't let the b*****ds grind you down.

Good luck,
Stefan

PS. For a little more than £75, we could have the owner knee capped It might not solve your problem, but it might make you feel better

Happy Y2K'ing

Nick

Hmm.... Tell me more about this knee-capping....

Nick

Atkins Motors have offered another cheap fix job, by the same useless idiot that did the first job. (The Plastic Surgeon - Taunton Area).

[This message has been edited by Nick (edited 11-12-1999).]

Doc

Atkins in Taunton usually use DJ Footit in Norton Fitzwarren for their bodywork repairs. They are Subaru approved and colour coded my mirrors recently, doing an excellent job.
While I was there they were repainting panels on a brand new silver turbo before delivery!
Might be worth asking DJ Footit what they would do. Their address is The Old Brewery Est, Norton Fitzwarren. 01823 279040

sunilp

Silly question maybe Doc, but why were they repainting panels on a brand new car?...bet the prospective owner doesnt know his car has been painted twice!

Nick

Doc, thanks for the info.

I heard that Atkins used someone in Norton Fitzwarren, but I didn't know who. I will check them out asap. Atkins were using the Plastic Surgeon, I assume because he is cheap. They're such cheap skates.

I visited Tileys in Bristol today, their sprayers are also giving me a quote.

[This message has been edited by Nick (edited 11-12-1999).]

Doc

sunilp

Apparently the new car had arrived with some paint blemishes. I'm sure the new owner didn't / doesn't know!

sunilp

Poor bugger!

Nick

Doc

Thanks for the info on Footit in Norton Fitzwarren. I went to see them today & they were not impressed at the job done by the plastic surgeon. They said that the wrong paint was applied, it was not prepared properly & it was applied in the wrong conditions (probably outside).

They are providing a quote to do it properly which includes rubbing down the whole bumper & spraying to Subaru standard. Should be about £150 or so.

So for the sake of a measly £150 Atkins, who I get all my servicing done & from whom I bought a £20k car from spent £40 on a crappy job & thought they could get away with it.

I am VERY unimpressed with Atkins & VERY unimpressed with the Plastic Surgeon.

Doc

Nick

Glad to be of help.
I thought you were selling your car?

Nick

I may have to sell the car, bur I may be able to keep it. The situation is a bit out of my hands due to a divorce. I have to fix the damage whatever though.