hood and fender damage

[msc247]

I was recently involved in an accident (not at fault) and received some front end damage to my car "78" 280z. My question is should I try to get their insurance to pay for replacement parts and paint or are they going to try and pay for just the repair work? I guess what I am trying to ask is what has anybody done to repair or fix their vehicles?

[Montezuma]

It all depends. You say that the accident was not your fault so why not get the other guys insurance to pay for it and get it done. If you want to do it yourself, it should not be that hard unless there is damage other than the fender and hood. In the end; I am a busy guy and don't have that much extra time so I would get the other guys insurance to pay for it and send it out to my favorite body shop for repairs.

[Arne]

David, I think you may have mis-understood the question. I think Mike was asking whether he should try to fight to get the other guy's insurance to pay for replacement parts rather than just paying for repair of the damaged parts.

If so, my answer is that I'd leave it up to the body shop that YOU select. You are NOT required to use a 'recommended' body shop, but can pick any repair shop you wish. Get estimates from shops with good recommendations, or one that you trust. Talk to them about your concerns. If the shop you select says that they can repair the parts, then don't worry about it. If they say that replacement parts are necessary, they will work with the other guy's insurance to get the authorization.

In short, select your own shop, and take their advise.

[BD240Z]

Mike,

Without seeing the extent of the damage it's hard to say what should be done. Typically, body shops won't perform major work on metal panels, they'll just replace them. It's much faster and they can turn over more cars/earn more profit.

If my car was in a wreck, I'd insist on new metal and would go to a shop of my choice like Arne has pointed out. Good luck!

Bruce

[msc247]

Thanks Guy's, I think I'll try to get replacement parts, I am in AZ, and the Zcar source here in scottsdale are selling OEM hoods and fenders for $499 and $299. I just wanted to know if I should try to fight the insurance co, for new OEM metal considering these are becoming Classic Z Cars!

[CANDYBLUE2+2]

Thanks Guy's, I think I'll try to get replacement parts, I am in AZ, and the Zcar source here in scottsdale are selling OEM hoods and fenders for $499 and $299. I just wanted to know if I should try to fight the insurance co, for new OEM metal considering these are becoming Classic Z Cars!

Just curious how'd it turn out? Hope you got a new hood..I don't like body fillers in this area due to all the engine heat, and the fact that sometimes hoods get closed too hard. Work on a hood is something that takes alot of consideration and planning, especially since ours are so long...