Update: Had a word with the garage, still no parts available locally. Having a bad feeling they may go down the repairing the existing panel path. So, a quick question guys, in your opinion is the damage done on the front fender and door repairable?

I would say it is repairable but won't be easy. I used to restore classic cars and had a guy that could repair rotted panels to like new. Now of course there are also guys that will slap some bondo in and call it a day so you would want to check the work closely.

They will use some amount of filler after returning the panels to as close to normal as possible. How can they claim that your car is repaired to the original pre-accident state when it will have body filler in the panels?

I have read about the following including eyeballing the reflection lines, knocking on the panels for sound differences, feeling the paint for bumps or asking them to check the roof and the passenger side door panels using an elcometers and comparing it with the repaired panels. Any further advice on this?

Agreed. The first option was replacing the parts with used parts of the same grade and standard. However, they search for one week and the parts were not available with any dealer / scrapyard. It is only now they are suggesting to repair it as a second option due to unavailability of parts. Although they did assure that the insurance surveyor will assess the quality and acknowledge the repairs if they meet their standards (what standards?). Further, as I have chosen the insurance preferred garage, it should be under one year warranty, not too sure how that will apply with body work.

If the repairs do not meet their standards and as used parts are not available, only then the garage can request ordering NEW parts. If i request new parts from the start, I have to foot 30% of the invoice value. Sigh!

Cool trick I learned from my neighbor who's into classic cars. Wrap a magnet in a shop rag or washcloth. Feel for differences in how the magnet pulls. Bondo will be obvious.

I used a flat magnet that advertising comes printed on. Strong enough to stick to painted steel but will fall right off if bondo. Flexible for curves, no risk of scratching or marring the finish like a strong magnet and gives a nice consistent pull that you won't get with a rag around it. Almost everybody has one kicking around someplace.


http://upyourbrandonline.co.za/wp-co...dge-Magnet.jpg

Even better!

Thank you guys for the input. So i paid a visit to the garage, here are the pics. He explained the process as well however I have got a really bad toothache and couldn't pay attention a lot. Something along the lines of they have pulled the dents, the next step is to p_____ (i cant remember the name) which will take 3-4 days, once the panel gaps and the lines are correct lay the primer and then additional 2-3 days for paint and polish.

I would have thought a door skin and new fender to be cheaper than that work. The rear panel I understand but everything else, wtf.....

My OEM fender was $157, preprimed

Replacement panels are cheap! A front bumper is like 150-200 new. I guess Dubai doesn't have it like that.....

Labour is dirt cheap in UAE.