hit and run

[infurno]

Looks like someone backed out of their driveway and hit it across the street. I can't be sure if thats what it was, who it was, and I have no witnesses. I really have no way of accusing anybody so while very upset I just left.

Besides taking it to a shop and getting charged more then what I would pay for a new door, do I have any other options?

Anybody have any experience? Don't suppose I could take apart the door and give it a good swift kick from the other side?

http://www.buysmartpc.com/ao/side.JPG
http://www.buysmartpc.com/ao/side2.JPG
http://www.buysmartpc.com/ao/side3.JPG
http://www.buysmartpc.com/ao/side4.JPG


Would appreciate any advice.
Thanks.

[infurno]

http://www.buysmartpc.com/ao/side5.JPG

[Evan]

it look slike just the door... so you can find another door and have it sprayed.. then install it yourself.

you only have liability insurance?

[infurno]

it look slike just the door... so you can find another door and have it sprayed.. then install it yourself.

you only have liability insurance?

Yeah, not insured to take care of this.

I was lucky it was only the door.

Would really like to just keep this door. I know a new one is always an option, but the paint isn't even scratched!

[Macv]

Ah thats lame. I'm sure you can find someone that will be able to knock it out.

[Bin_jammin]

With a crease like that, you're looking at taking it to a pro. If you don't keep your sneakers in your toolbox your foot is not a tool :)

Of course you could always consider this an opportunity to brush up on your hammer and dolly skills, but I'd just take it to a pro.

[infurno]

With a crease like that, you're looking at taking it to a pro. If you don't keep your sneakers in your toolbox your foot is not a tool :)

Of course you could always consider this an opportunity to brush up on your hammer and dolly skills, but I'd just take it to a pro.

I guess the only way I could make it worse is if I poped that black rubber bump protector off and couldn't get it back on.

[bmwrp8]

I guess the only way I could make it worse is if I poped that black rubber bump protector off and couldn't get it back on.

That sucks!!...just bring it to the pros they have that paintless dent repair thing...dunno if itll work for you

[Tiger]

Painless dent repair will not be able to fix this REAL dent... Get another door and put it in... hopefully same color.

[Tiger]

Oooh... what McIntosh amp do you have?

[infurno]

I called around earlier to a few places, big and small shops. Each gave me a ballpark estimate of about $300+.

Guess its not that bad, and I would go for it but I have a few other things to fix of higher priority. I need new struts, control arms, valve seals, ect...

I just hate to see that dent in my what was once nice bimmer every time I walk outside. I drive 70+ miles a day 5 days a week and never hit a car, but they get me when im not looking. :(

[infurno]

nm

[bmwrp8]

Painless dent repair will not be able to fix this REAL dent... Get another door and put it in... hopefully same color.

ohh that sucks...get a door from the local yard

[bmwrp8]

Oooh... what McIntosh amp do you have?


mc431:) got it for a BARGAIN

[Ross]

I think a trip to the paintless dent repair may work. I don't see a hard crease and the dent is rather shallow.
Some of these guys are very good.
The strip might even straighten out.
Silver is a bitch to match. Given a choice between some minor visible remnant of the damage and a mismatched door, I'll take the blemish.

[Ross]

I think a trip to the paintless dent repair may work. I don't see a hard crease and the dent is rather shallow.
Some of these guys are very good.
The strip might even straighten out.
Silver is a bitch to match. Given a choice between some minor visible remnant of the damage and a mismatched door, I'll take the blemish.
There are also inflatable dent removers available that might help here.

[Morgenster]

I think a trip to the paintless dent repair may work. I don't see a hard crease and the dent is rather shallow.
Some of these guys are very good.
The strip might even straighten out.
Silver is a bitch to match. Given a choice between some minor visible remnant of the damage and a mismatched door, I'll take the blemish.
There are also inflatable dent removers available that might help here.


In fact I wouldn't hesitate doing that. The longer you wait the more it will settle. You might even risk taking out the doorpanel and ginving it one thump with a rubber mallet. Why? because in my experience the metal can just pop back into the correct shape unless you wait too long. It's like when you slightly dent an empty soda can without paint damage: apply some pressure on the other end and "pop" it springs back into shape. I had it happen automatically once for a dent similar to that one. But then again, I am no mechanic/bodyshop/specialist.

[infurno]

Yeah I guess I will do that. Thanks for that encouraging advice. :D

I'll have a pro take a look.

[genphreak]

Don't worry about it, its like a cheap flare.... looks okay, just avoid looking at it and drive her.... I'd rather an honest dent than a dishonest repair job (they can rust at a later date)

[Podmore]

I think a trip to the paintless dent repair may work. I don't see a hard crease and the dent is rather shallow.
Some of these guys are very good.
The strip might even straighten out.
Silver is a bitch to match. Given a choice between some minor visible remnant of the damage and a mismatched door, I'll take the blemish.
The problem is the dent has involved the style line, which will make it virtually impossible for the paintless dent guys to pop out. Style lines and creases are put in to stiffen the panels, and prevent drumming. The metal becomes "work hardened" at the crease and since the dent guys work from inside the panel with spring steel push bars (which work very well with little dents) they would need to apply a huge amount of force to push this dent out - it actually has to be pushed out beyond the original panel line, then allowed to spring back to its correct profile. Note also this dent involves virtually half the door, and the side intrusion bar will make it even more difficult to push out from the inside. Try to get another door - if your gods are smiling on you, you may even get one the same colour...

[infurno]

The color is what worries me most. I would rather have a dent like that rather then the wrong or a badly matched color. If I have to paint it, I may as well as try out that $50 paint job on the entire car.

Im only considering that because the passenger side front fender, the passenger side rear door needs a bit too and also a few miner things here and there.

[Ross]

I would let the guys who do it decide. It may not be perfect but to me would be preferrable to paint work.

[infurno]

I would let the guys who do it decide. It may not be perfect but to me would be preferrable to paint work.

Certainly, no harm in giving it a shot. Will have it looked at hopefully tomorrow or this weekend.

[Bin_jammin]

$50 paint job? When I painted the engine compartment on my e34 I called my paint supplier and ordered two 12oz cans of BMW paint code 280 Glacier Blue Metallic. The two cans cost me more than $50, and that didn't include the clearcoat. I don't think you could do the whole car for $50 with rollers.

[Tiger]

He is talking about the Rustoleum paint job... LOL

[infurno]

Yeah, I was pretty impressed by the results. If I do decide to try it, it will be on my E28 first. I have painted cars before with real auto paint and have all the necessary equipment but its a lot of work, cleaning, and money. If I can get nice results for $50.00, hell why not.

[xspeedy]

PDR has come a long way, and fairly significant dents can be removed. It may not be absolutely perfect, but perhaps you can get it to 90% while keeping the paint and the door original. You'll also save a lot of money. Take it to a reputable PDR shop in your area to get an evaluation.