Last year in a storm, a branch detached itself and took a liking to the bonnet of our Jazz. It left a nice crease and dent along one of the ribs on the bonnet.
I did the usual trips around the body repair shops only to be absolutely stunned at the quotes. The damage was about the size of the old 50 p piece. £250 was the general price but Honda wanted £400. I think I did a post asking what would you do? Well, one repair shop suggested I tried a chap who did this magic with levers.
This morning, he spent nearly two and a half hours with his various tools. The damage was as you would expect under the double skin. The end result, I can't and neither can my Wife find the repair.
What did it cost? I won't say exactly BUT I paid him what my excess is on my Insurance. I could not believe that this man, who is so obviously a craftsman spent so much time and care and asked what he did. He was delighted as he told me he has to keep his prices down because people won't pay much for this sort of work. I am sorry to bang on but I did not want to claim from my Insurance despite a protected No Claims and to be frank I am glad I did it this way. I honestly think having seen some of the bodywork repairs done in bodywork shops, that I took the correct action. He told me he is a panel beater and sprayer by trade but after working for a local main dealer was made redundant after training for this type of repair. If you have a small ding and a claim off your insurance would cause ripples, try and find this sort of repair man. Remember no big jobs, this is really for car park type dents in doors etc. Look for any recommendations but it could save a lot of money especially if you are not fortunate enough to have a protected No Claims. The chap who came to me basically covers North of Plymouth across North Cornwall into North Devon and he comes to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Sorry but he really was the dogs breakfast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope this post is of interest.
