Got in an accident :(

[Crackseed]

Hello fellow FT86 Islanders,

While driving to get some food during lunch today I got into an accident. Thankfully my insurance is solid and so any repairs are covered but as I know a few of us on the island have had to fix their cars before, I wanted to get some feedback on recommended places to go.

I'm meeting the inspection agent on Wednesday and they've notified me I can take my car anywhere - given that not all repair shops are created equal, wanted to see what you guys would recommend.

The damage is LARGELY superficial on the body but I can't rule out that some internal frame/engine block stuff may have occurred.

Any insight/advice would be most appreciated gang - mahalos!

[Chen]

Just from the picture all you need is a new bumper and headlights. If anything your crash beam. But the impact didn't even effect your hood.

[Crackseed]

The hood is "off" as it's not sitting right but it doesn't look damaged. I'm also not exactly a trained eye with this stuff. But it does seem superficial like I said which is a big relief. I'll know more on Wednesday. Just wanted to get an idea of who does good auto body work on the island to help me fix it up good as new.

[travelmonkey]

Here is a previous thread regarding auto body shops on Oahu.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63687

I took my car to Kuroda Autobody in Waipio Gentry and am very satisfied with their work and professionalism

Kuroda Autobody, Inc

94-518 Puahi St, Waipahu, HI 96797
(808) 676-1941

http://www.kurodaautobody.com/


ALSO: glad you're ok and didn't get hurt.

[Crackseed]

Thanks for posting that travelmonkey - I missed that existing post >_< Whoops!

[s2d4]

How did you get in an accident?
What happened?

[Crackseed]

Originally Posted by s2d4

How did you get in an accident?
What happened?

Turning into the Burger King in Pearl City for some lunch and while my field of vision said I was clear, apparently with all the backed up traffic and the lower vision level afforded by our cars, a white tacoma was coming down the last lane pretty quickly and by the time I emerged into the lane there was no way to reverse quickly or for him to stop and wham.

Le-sigh -teach me to go to BK instead of bringing home lunch

[InspGadgt]

My friends in the auto industry always recommended Pearl Ridge Fender and Kuroda. Had my flint mica repaired at Pearl Ridge Fender after someone backed into the right rear quarter panel when the car was only 1 month old. Flint mica is a very hard color to match due to there being 3 different metal flake colors...The guys there did a flawless job with the repair. 8 years later and you still can't tell the car was ever repaired there.

[Crackseed]

Based on the recommends and calling around, I'll probably go with Kuroda but my god, EVERY shop is just backlogged for the most part. Kuroda has a 2-3 week wait time and the few other shops I've called that were listed are all 2 week minimum so far.

[ZionsWrath]

Can you do it yourself? I imagine it is just a bunch of remove and replace parts. I would have said try yourself but you said you called insurance already. Take their estimate, look at the parts needed and if it just replacing parts and paint. Replace parts on your own and take to shop for paint? That is if you don't want to wait, otherwise I recommend letting the shop do everything since you have already involved the insurance.

[Crackseed]

Originally Posted by ZionsWrath

Can you do it yourself? I imagine it is just a bunch of remove and replace parts. I would have said try yourself but you said you called insurance already. Take their estimate, look at the parts needed and if it just replacing parts and paint. Replace parts on your own and take to shop for paint? That is if you don't want to wait, otherwise I recommend letting the shop do everything since you have already involved the insurance.

If I had any genuine faith in my ability to repair this kind of damage and I don't - I have 0 shame in admitting it's beyond me to do. While the wait is unfortunate, knowing it'll be handled by professionals and cost me very little is good peace of mind

[ZionsWrath]

My only advice is take delivery on a nice sunny day so you can see any paint imperfections. Look for swirls, holograms, sanding lines, and paint drips.

I have yet to have a car repaired "perfectly" by a shop, only "acceptable".

Good luck.

[travelmonkey]

Originally Posted by Crackseed

Based on the recommends and calling around, I'll probably go with Kuroda but my god, EVERY shop is just backlogged for the most part. Kuroda has a 2-3 week wait time and the few other shops I've called that were listed are all 2 week minimum so far.

Yeah, I had the car for 5 weeks and it was 4 more weeks until I could get into Kuroda. They had to order parts and whatnot but offered car rental through them (I think it was Enterprise). The total time in the shop was 1 week but well worth it. People cannot tell that I was in an accident unless I tell them. Of course, mine wasn't as bad as yours and my car was still drivable.

Good Luck!

[ZionsWrath]

His car isn't bad at all, so what happen to yours? Hit a parking curb?