Dent in fibreglass

[willld]

Some cu*t decided to stub a cigarette out on my Elise, which has left a small pit. Is it possible to get such damage repaired by a 'scratch-away' type operation or is a proper body shop the only answer?

Only had one quote from a bodyshop so far and it seems all out of proportion to the actual damage - about £550, as apparently whole door would need respraying and blending in on front wing.

It's a metallic paint, which probably makes it harder...

[Anatol]

The blend zones on Elises are very large. A cigarette burn high up on the door would likely need blending into the adjoining panel.

An express bodyshop/aka fixed site SMART operation could achieve this no problem, and the lower overhead business model might well mean savings against a full-service, insurance-led bodyshop.

There aren't many operations like this, though. Where in the UK are you?

Tol

[willld]

I'm in Rugby, Warwickshire, not sure if there's anyone locally.

I've got no reason to doubt the validity of the quote I've already had, it just seems a lot (of my) money to repair a small area of damage. It's not worth claiming on my insurance as there's a £250 excess and I'd lose my protected NCB.

To make it even more annoying, I've got a good idea who did it, but without CCTV I can't prove anything.

[Anatol]

Hmm, nearest to you I know of would be in Telford, so still quite a trek...

[willld]

Thanks, have you got their details, might be worth a try.

[Anatol]

Checking again, their site with full spraybooth facilities is in their Wolverhampton branch - 01902 422334.

Usual disclaimer, no formal links between their business and mine, but the owner is a friend and we're part of the same network.

Tol