My S2000 sustained rear quarter panel damage in a hit-and-run a while back. I just picked it up from the body shop, and was wondering about the repairs.

The part where the rear quarter panel is welded to the trunk doesn't look nearly as clean as stock. I expected that, but not to this extent. There's some "streaks" and "bumps" (sorry, that's the best description I can come up with) around the welding, and it looks sort of ugly.

Also, on the side where the repairs took place, the gap between the rear quarter panel and trunk lid (when it's closed) is a bit bigger, compared to the side where no repairs took place. Same goes for the gap around the taillights - it's bigger on the side where the repairs occurred.

So, my question is - is this normal for repair jobs? Especially the not-so-smooth welding and less-than-perfect fit. I know I'm not happy with it, but if it's normal, then hey what can I do. I'm just curious if I went to a less-than-great body shop, or if this is just part of life with aftermarket repairs. Thanks!

 

The Squeaky wheel get the grease!
They got paid right?
If You are not happy with the results give them a chance to fix it, If they do not call the Better Business Bureau and file a complaint.
Personally, I would call the insurance company who paid the claim and see if they can help!
Be a thorn in their side and sooner or later they will get tired of you and fix it!

 

It used to be the case that a car was never the same after body damage and repair. Now, though, a normal good body shop should do a job such that you can't tell where the repair was.

 

Let the insurance company fight for you. That's why they make the big bucks (at least from me).

Brew

 

Sounds like a poor job IMO.

 

If you're not satisfied with the repairs, call attention to it. The body shop should be able to bring the car back to original condition.

A couple of years ago, I was in an accident with my Accord Coupe (it was five months old) which totally messed up the left front side and hood. But, the body shop that I took it to did a tremendous job with it, using all OEM parts and spent a week repainting it under ideal conditions. I spent the next year looking for imperfections and could not find a single one. The dealership I traded it in to for the S2000 had it sold the very next day.

 

My wife's last Odyssey was hit about 3 months after we got it, and because it was leased I let the dealer do the repair. They painted green around the window frame where it had been matte black, and after a year or so the green started to peel off. The power window also never worked quite right after that.

There's a body shop near me that used to do aircraft repair too, and the guy has a repuation for real quality. I wish I had taken it to him instead.