I have some bad news. I was driving my Z today and some idiot in an Acura RSX changed lanes without looking and slammed into my driver's side door and front fender. No one was hurt, but needless to say, I am very upset - especially seeing as how I have less then 2k miles on it. In a matter of minutes, I went from a flawless Z to a banged up one...

In any event, I am looking for a top-notch body shop in the DC/VA Metro area. To do the job right, the driver's side door and front fender will need to be completely replaced. I need someone who can restore the Z to showroom quality. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Pictures of the damage to follow shortly...

ZMan

 

I am so sorry to hear about your misfortune.

I almost was in a similar predicament when stopped at a light and the car in front started rolling back towards me. Glad she (very glad) reacted to my horn and put on her brakes.

I do not have any personal experience with any repairs at any of the local body shops. However, Pat Goss, the mechanic on "Motor Week" and who is VERY particular about who he endorses, points to http://www.professionalcollision.com/ when he is asked for a recommendation on his call-in radio show.

They are in Woodbridge, but from what I've heard from Pat, they would definitely be a place that I would evaluate.

VG

 

UPDATE: I got a few estimates this morning. One from T&J in Arlington, one from Bimmer's on Four Mile Run, and one from Brown's Arlington Nissan. The estimates, however, only include using a dent puller and repainting. All shops said that "I would never be able to tell it was fixed." HA! I don't believe that for a second. Anytime you use a dent puller and repaint a body panel you can tell very easily that the car had work done to it. Especially since most body shops will just tape off the panel and spray. This is a totally unacceptable fix as far as I'm concerned. Particularly for a car that only has 1600 miles on it. Anything short of a new door and from corner panel is not going to look right!

Am I right or am I just being a freak about this?

ZMan