Car Door Repair

greggp_2

Someone reversed into my driver door the other day (focus 2008 model).

the main damage is the door has been pushed in at the lower front part, the door also doesnt appear to shut flush anymore and since driving it I have noticed a lot more road noise coming from the door.

It went to a bodyshop via insurance company the other day for an estimate and they are going to carry out the works next weeek.

Just wondered if anyone knew much about car bodywork repair and what is actually involved during the repair? I have read about door skins etc being replace doors but would this make my door fit flush again?




Thanks

SHIPSHAPE

Sometimes it's just better, and cheaper, to replace the whole door with a new one, or from a scrappy, however, the bodyshop obviously know better.

Your door will be as good as new, so long as they are any good.

greggp_2

SHIPSHAPE wrote: »

Sometimes it's just better, and cheaper, to replace the whole door with a new one, or from a scrappy, however, the bodyshop obviously know better.

Your door will be as good as new, so long as they are any good.

thanks.
hope so! They mentioned ordering in a skin for my car. Just hope it shuts flush once repaired and no more road noise....heres hoping :beer:

The_Turner

greggp wrote: »

Someone reversed into my driver door the other day

Wasn't cyclonebri was it? Cause he'll try and blame it on you.:rotfl:

KTF

Depends on the damage really. Sometimes it can be pulled out then a bit of filler to sort out any damage from sharp creases, etc. but as its an insurance job I imagine they will order in a new skin, cut the old one out and weld in the new one.

greggp_2

KTF wrote: »

Depends on the damage really. Sometimes it can be pulled out then a bit of filler to sort out any damage from sharp creases, etc. but as its an insurance job I imagine they will order in a new skin, cut the old one out and weld in the new one.

thanks.
damage is not that major, just crushed in the bottom front door panel but not by much - but saying that it must of distorted the frame as the top part of the door no longer fits flush now its out by a few millimetres and I heard a slight rattle as I went over speed humps this morning and much more road noise. appreciate everyones input on this.

cheers
:beer:

KTF

The frame will probably go back into alignment when they remove the distortion caused by the dent - pushing the panel in will pull 'down' and cause the frame to bow if you follow - but it is worth checking that it is all true when you go and pick it up just to make sure. They should blow the new paint down the other panels as well so it blends with the existing paint: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVP55679qfE

poppasmurf_bewdley

Get a second hand door off eBay or from the local scrappy. Should be about £60 for a three year old Focus, and you should find one in the right colour.

KTF

If someone reversed into my door and I could claim against their insurance I wouldn't be off down the scrap yard to hunt for a replacement, I would expect their insurance to sort it out.

poppasmurf_bewdley

KTF wrote: »

If someone reversed into my door and I could claim against their insurance I wouldn't be off down the scrap yard to hunt for a replacement, I would expect their insurance to sort it out.

And that would or could be your choice.

But remember, a secondhand door from eBay or a scrap yard will have been built and painted/rustproofed to the same standard as the original and the paint could well be a much better match.

I have seen 'new doors' put on by repairers for insurance companies with no rustproofing or drain holes blocked by sealant, and electric windows not working properly.