Collision advice / Santa Cruz or Bay area shops?

[swavananda]

Hey all. My Ghia got hit in a slow speed Tbone. Older guy blanked out and just didn't see me and pulled out as i was passing. Not real bad damage. Its a clean daily driver that i did paint and body work on it 13 years ago. It seems pretty obvious I'll get the payout from insurance .It sounds possible if i get a few quotes they can cash me out and I can do the work. But I don't have a garage anymore so it might have to wait. The car is drivable and I do drive it in winters here. But if there is any body shops recommendations in this area that could do a decent job, That just may be easier . Again, not needing show car work here. Thanks.

[c21darrel]

Thats not gonna buff out
My ghia got tapped while parked at a car show a couple weeks ago, both the other driver and I have AAA insurance, mine is a classic policy. Their preliminary bid for repair was over $5K, i havnt accepted yet. Only parts are one bumper end and a headlight ring. Bid includes painting from doors forward, its a one piece car. Your damage is significantly worse, looks like a full fender replacement and paint from doors back. Judging by the door seam, the whole rear is pushed back. Best of Luck, let us know how it works out.

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[74 Thing]

Get ready to pull comps.

They may say total loss, but being a convertible it may save you.

Smittys in Meadow Vista. https://www.facebook.com/smittysautobody/

It's a haul but it is a shop that has craftsman that will do the work.

Most shops nowadays just do insurance work on newer cars-just get the new plastic panels and fit, blend and snap on.

Clatter may know someone in your area. PM him https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=7176

[swavananda]

The door gap is vert sag and has been there . There is a procedure of adding shims between the rear pan and body mount . Just never had the time or motivation. I have AAA regular insurance and they already comped the deductible. Got a appointment with the adjuster tomorrow. I feel pretty confident about doing the metal work, The painting was a stressful part. I already did heater channels and front and rear 1/4 panels and more on the car

[swavananda]

[74 Thing]

It means that you may have to prove the value of your car.

If the repairs are 75% of the value that they determine then it is salvaged.

eg if your car is valued at 10k and the repair estimate is 8k then they will salvage it.

You may have to pull comparable vehicles in your area to prove your vehicle is worth more.

At the hourly shop rates in CA and the costs of materials nowadays a small ding can cost 2k according to a shop.

And if you have a salvage title in CA it could effect your insurance rates or availabilities.

Good luck.

[Abscate]

That’s a huge repair. Im going to swag at 60 hours plus paint, and I have no idea where you are going to get parts on top of that.

See above. If you take the cash, you will have to buy your car back at auction and it will likely have a salvage title or CA equivalent.

Not a big deal on a cool ride like a Ghia, but some get their panties in a bunch over it.
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[Clatter]

If you're going to get that fixed correctly by a shop somewhere you better get a nice fat estimate for a good shop to do good work.
Say you want a Maaco/Scheib type of Bondo slam job they'll be happy to get you one!

I'd get an estimate at Gary's Rods in Watsonville first.
After that I'd go to Phil's on Fair - West side of SC.
Riley Collins in Seabright does a good job as well.
Maybe Mark at The Body Shop over behind the old Toys R Us.
Maybe..
He's kind of a princess sometimes.


Avoid Westons and especially Chris Bordner.
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Bus Motor Build

What’s That Noise?!?

[skills@eurocarsplus]

the problem with a Ghia is there is no EZ way to do a blend.

don't be surprised if you get a quote for an overall spray.
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[Erik G]

Corey aka CJ Smitty up in Placer County. seriously check him out worth the distance

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=88428

[swavananda]

I decided to just cash out and do the repair myself, Since Ive done a lot off rust repair already . I did the paint too, Happy how it turned out that time. There is a fender section up in Oakland I can grab for the lower tear. The rest is already popped back out. Thanks for the input.

[Jacks]

Go for it Can o’. Post some pics of the process
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