Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:35:56 -0400
Reply-To: mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: '90 Front Fiberglas Bumper - HELP!!!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed; delsp=no
Any body shop should be able to repair the damage you showed, though it
will involve putty because of the seemingly cracked metal. Otherwise, a
new or good used panel replacement. I understand your concern for the
welfare of the person who damaged your van. That said, I would not be
inclined to accept less than capable body shop, excellently done
repairs. The damage you showed includes a break in the paint and
seemingly cracked metal, meaning the undercoating on the other side is
likely cracked, too. So far as I am concerned, the reason I carry
liability insurance is to make sure that I take care of my obligations
should I cause damage to someone else's property, and heaven forbid,
someone else's person. One claim is not likely to cause an insurance
company to drop an otherwise claim free customer, but rates will likely
go up. Of course, the age of the customer (under 25 for example, or
elderly) and previous driving record also matter.
Of course, it's up to you, if you want to let the person off the hook,
and accept poorer quality (and future problems for your van). Might
make a difference to me if the van was in poor shape already (as yours
might be if you had extensive repairs before). In other words, if I
would be forcing the person to pay for repairs that really would not
make a difference in the long run, I might be inclined to be lenient.
David McNeely
On Thu, Oct 22, 2009 at 9:49 PM, VW Vanagon wrote:
> Volks-
>
> UNBELIEVABLE!
>
> Some may recall last year's debacle that resulted from my accident on
> 10/29/08 in which Blackbeard's front end was essentially mulched.
> Well, today (one week TO THE DAY short of the anniversary of that
> accident)
> I'm afraid that I have had another (albeit CONSIDERABLY less severe)
> accident - NOT CAUSED BY ME! :)
>
> I'll spare the details of the accident, but I need to locate a
> fiberglass
> front bumper and passenger front piece (between wheel well and front
> bumper).
>
> While the other party was at fault (and have admitted fault), they are
> gracious and good people who will likely be dropped by their current
> insurer
> if a claim is made.
> As the damage was not MAJOR, they've offered to pay for the repairs -
> but
> are not wealthy, either.
>
> To that end (and given that body components are next to impossible to
> find
> in my neck of the woods), can anyone help me locate any replacements?
>
> Additionally, can I hear back from someone on the auto body side on
> whether
> or not this can be repaired, or rather if we need to consider
> something
> involving welding?
> I ask because the crease looks pretty . . . well, creased. :)
> *
> http://tinyurl.com/yjqzddu
>
> *As ALWAYS, any help is GREATLY appreciated!
>
> Thank you!
>
> Drew, Las Vegas
> '90 GL "Blackbeard"
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