How much is too much to fix?

[AndyM31]

Having recently taken delivery of my R56, I now have the unenviable task of considering the repair of some stone chippings and on both hood and roof. I am not happy at this.

This all came to be as I was on a drive visiting family in Dorset. Down a lane with a tractor in front. Just out of a field he came as muddy as hell, the trailor had no registration and could not see the registration on the tractor. While driving and despite keeping good distance, a ball of mud and stones dropped from the trailor and caused the offending damage.

I could quite easly overlook it but it is not possible as I know it is there. So go to the approved body shop in Wiltshire only to get told that to repair the few chips on hood and roof will be 1,800 of the queens finest. Is this too much taking in to account that the body is silver with a black top? This is my first Mini so I claim novice status on the subject.

My considerations are to cliam this on the insurance, What would you do in my case anybody with such experience?

Thanks,

Andy

[Accelebrate]

Give somewhere like ChipsAway a call? They did a brilliant job on my last car and were a fraction of the price of a bodyshop.

I personally wouldn't cough up £1800 or have the hassle/expense of an insurance claim over a few stone chips. They're sadly one of those sods law things where you'll probably pick up a few more the moment you've got it all sorted.

Edited by Accelebrate on Thursday 7th May 08:01

[AndyM31]

Thanks for the tip, I shall call them them today to see what they can do.

A brief recollection when I went to the paint shop, I saw a few minis and a few other cars there, all looking very shiny for their age. The man there said that is the work we do to which I said very nice. Asking what happened, made me cringe.

Basically the cars were parked in Southampton near the mooring of the IOW ferry, behind the wall the engineers were painting a ferry with marine paint and the wind was sending some of it over the wall on to the cars. I dread to think the cost of the FULL re-spray they all had to have.

Thanks again,

Andy

[BigShow]

I had the bonnet and drivers door re-painted on my Cooper S for £300 + vat so what they are quoting you is a joke!

[AndyM31]

Hello. That is more the amount I was talking for the hood when I asked but the man laughed.

May I ask where they did the painting for you? Were you happy with it?

Thanks, Andy

[killinginblack]

Dependant on the size/extent of the damage i'd suggest getting a "Stone Chip and Scratch Repair System" from Halfords.

Ten quid a throw (so, max twenty quid if you have a contrasting roof).

I was sceptical about it as you can usually spot touched in chips easily, but im very impressed with the results so far. If i get time over the weekend i'll post some before and after shots.

Worst case is you spend twenty sheets, it looks naff and you get it re-sprayed anyway.

Just a thought.