Can a smart repair fix this scrape?

[phil1979]

Darn it! On my way to Goodwood, I managed to scrape my car against a flint wall in a carpark. This is the right rear wheel arch - Alfa 159.

I've put black marker pen on it for the time being, but you should be able to make out the dent/scrape to the corner of the arch, a nice scratch above that and, general scuffing to the bumper part of the wheel arch.

It's down to the metal, so want it sealed up, but I plan to keep the car for a long time so not worried about a perfect job, if such a thing is possible.

Thoughts, and rough estimate price wise?






Thanks for any pointers.

[underphil]

that level of metal deformation would be beyond a smart repair in my opinion

(rare to see a TI with decent tyres these days!)

[lostkiwi]

If that arch is double skinned and I suspect it is then no way. Even if its not its marginal at best. I suspect you could be looking at a panel and paint shop to knock it out, fill it and spray it.

[phil1979]

underphil said:

that level of metal deformation would be beyond a smart repair in my opinion

(rare to see a TI with decent tyres these days!)

Thanks. Re the tyres, I won them from Pistonheads! They're winter tyres though - kinda forgotten to change them on to the summers yet, and prefer the softer ride.

[Barchettaman]

I bet a smart repair guy with a glue lifter would have a crack at it.

I got a very similar arch ding on my BMW E90 about 60% better with a cheap dent lifter from eBay. I could have got it even better but just got bored, and I'm a talentless numpty when it comes to bodywork (unless you like really crappy looking repairs)

[Jim AK]

If you're keeping it I think I'd have it repaired properly as some 'smart repairs' don't have longevity. My neighbour had a bumper done 2 years ago & the deterioration in colour is incredible as it seems to show through with a black colour, filler/primer? Spoils a near mint VR6 Corrado too.

Can't see it being more than £250/£300 at a Panel shop.

[Torquey]

I had a very similar bruise like that recently
£130, filled and painted from a very friendly paint shop.

[Escort3500]

Jim AK said:

If you're keeping it I think I'd have it repaired properly as some 'smart repairs' don't have longevity. My neighbour had a bumper done 2 years ago & the deterioration in colour is incredible as it seems to show through with a black colour, filler/primer? Spoils a near mint VR6 Corrado too.

Can't see it being more than £250/£300 at a Panel shop.

I used Chips Away a few years ago for a 'hit and run' scratch and dent on my car with good results that lasted. However, I subsequently scratched the bumper, and as my local CA guy had packed up I used a local firm. The job looked good but within about 6 months it went from metallic grey to a sort of bronze shade and the firm weren't interested in rectifying it.

For any repair now I'd use my friendly local paintshop. Price-wise there's little difference between them and a mobile repairer.

[phil1979]

Thanks all - good info.

[phil1979]

Well, first quote from a well-respected local body shop came in at £450.00 all in, but that did include painting the whole rear bumper, which is pretty big on the 159 estate. Does that sound about right??

[1878]

I did similar to the front wing and bumper of my 159.

Both repaired and painted (full panel/bumper) and a few other scuffs sorted at the same time. £300 + VAT if I recall rightly.

[V6Alfisti]

phil1979 said:

Well, first quote from a well-respected local body shop came in at £450.00 all in, but that did include painting the whole rear bumper, which is pretty big on the 159 estate. Does that sound about right??

In the south west I have found it is about £150 per panel, so does seem a little steep.