My poor Z...

[zbane]

I'd recommend using a restoration shop not a collision specialist...

Also don't let the insurance company tell you where to take it they want it done cheap...

Agree with both these points.

Take your vehicle to several repair shops to get an average estimate. IF you choose to keep this out of the insurance adjusters hands, and deal only with the person that hit you, you will have more leverage in getting the cash side taken care of at the onset, rather than having the person try to back out after the repairs are underway. The person that hit you might see that this will be an expensive job and will choose to go the insurance route (assuming the person has insurance, not just a card saying so... )

If you do go through insurance (and you really should) then choose the shop that you think will do the best work, though do keep in mind that if you go with a shop that is recommended by the insurance company the repair is guaranteed for as long as you own the vehicle. If it doesn't meet your standards, or the paint starts flaking off six months after the repair it will be taken care of at no cost to you.

Do your homework-check the local shops; go to a cruise in and ask the Hot Rod people where they would go/have gone. Then see what shops are on your list and the list from the insurance company.

Edited February 12, 2009 by zbane

[ajmcforester]

In my experience with insurance company recommendations of repair facilities, is that say they will redo work but I found that to be a lie. Another point about restoration shops is they will document the repairs with photo and what steps were taken to make repairs. If the repairs are done well, and you have documentation your car will be far less devalued in a sale. Collector car people are more understanding that things happen then what is let on, but they want to see a boatload of documentation.

[CarCrazy24]

Just a quick update...you guys were right about going to the insurance first =/

So, being a nice guy and always giving the other person the benefit of the doubt, I went with his idea of trying to save him some money and go to a body shop where he knows someone who can hook him up. The place didn't look shady at all, however as soon as his "buddy" starting looking at the damage, his estimate was exactly the same as the more pricier places I've gotten estimates ($1500-$1750). So he can't afford it, and NOW wants to go through the insurance, after my car sat in the rain for three weeks =(

Just incredible, give someone an inch and they take a mile. As soon as the insurance got involved, I took my car in an hour later to a shop the insurance recommended, an estimate from the owner of the shop, and a rental car reservation, all paid for and done in 10 minutes. Ahhhhh!

I'll post pics as soon as I get the car back!

[=Enigma=]

After all the recommendations above and you still left it at the place the insurance company recommended? Man I hope this turns out well and you don't end up with 100 lbs of bondo on your rear end. Looking right and being right are two entirely differnet things. Just look at Brittany Spears.

[ajmcforester]

You better ask for pictures in every stage and name it out. Picts of paint removed, after metal fixed, after bondo if they use it, and before paint. This will help keep them honest, the thing is it will look good for about one or two years then the bondo cracks, because they have it over 1/8" thick. That was my experience and good luck getting them to repair it right.

I wish you can trust the world as much as you do, but I've been screwed too many times, especially when it comes to car repair. I now do all my maintenance, and body work that I can do without a major shop. I'll buy tools that cost the same as someone else doing the job just so I get it done right. Anything I can't do I take to the best restoration shop I can find, because they will take time to do it right and ask you if you think they are doing it right, no surprises at the end

The age of the car I think you can justify no bondo and use lead free leading if they can do it; which I don't think they can since you went with the insurance company company.

I hope it works for you I should have sent you pictures and documents, maybe then you would believed me about only using a restoration shop.

[FairladyZS30]

try looking into Sunny Z located in glendale

[CarCrazy24]

No no I found a shop that does good work on these classics. The insurance actually recommended this SAME shop, and I met the shop's supervisor and the insurance agent. Both have owned several 240Z's over the years...the shop supervisor says he's going to fix the bondo work that was already there and use little to no bondo...I look forward to seeing what he can do.

[Walter Moore]

No Bondo? What is a Datsun without Bondo?

(Hey, keep the magnet away from the rear fenders buddy...)

[ajmcforester]

Good I hope they do well still get the picts let us see how well they do for you

[=Enigma=]

No no I found a shop that does good work on these classics. The insurance actually recommended this SAME shop, and I met the shop's supervisor and the insurance agent. Both have owned several 240Z's over the years...the shop supervisor says he's going to fix the bondo work that was already there and use little to no bondo...I look forward to seeing what he can do.

That's great to hear. Hopefully the insurance company will be willing to pay for a quality job and not hobble the efforts of the body shop in doing the job right. At least you are working with someone who appreciates the Z. I feel for you man. I'm not sure what I would do to someone who rear ended me due to their own negligence. Tailgaters regularly bring me ot the brink of sanity. :mad:

[ajmcforester]

I agree at least you still have the car and your health after the accident. That was how I lost my first Z.

[CarCrazy24]

Agreed guys, appreciate all your advice and knowledge, I will definitely post pics when the car is all done =)