Hi all,
Over the past week I have been burdened with the guilt of dinging my pride and joy, and will have to take her to a quality body shop to get her repaired.
In short, the damage is:
- passenger side quarter panel
- passenger side door
The quarter *may* be replaced - it is the body shop's recommendation and insurance adjuster's first "thoughts".
Well, I'm almost decided on where to take it - but am wondering how best I can prepare my girl for this ordeal. She has light gray interiors, and I would like them to remain stain/dirt free and just like new when I get her back.
Secondly I'm definitely planning on visiting the shop at least twice a week (over 3 weeks :yikes
to check progress (shop was very understanding about that, so it should be cool).
I want to make a list of "checkpoints" i.e. stages when some major portion of work is finished/about to be started so that I can check how well they are doing the repairs.
I came up with the following very basic list, and would like you all to add your expert insights.... I can combine them into a 'checklist' doc once we have some critical mass of inputs..
Here's what I have in mind:
VISIT 1:
1) visit after all dismantling is done (day 1-2), prior to submitting "supplement" form to insurance. Follow up with insurance adjuster and shop to ensure no used/refurb parts are being forced onto shop by insurance. Only new, OEM Audi parts, make sure this is on all paperwork. Insist on receipts.
2) Check if there is any "frame" damage. Hopefully NOT! Maybe this is done by a laser/vision measuring system?
3) Check if there is any damage to rocker panel
4) Ensure all interiors (seats/panels/headliner) are removed and stored safely and COVERED to keep them clean.
VISIT 2
1) check that replacement quarter lines up perfectly with adjacent panels and gaps are perfect with decklid, rear bumper and door. Check welded joints for seamlessness to the touch and verify corrosion protection was given (how?)
2) If dent is pushed out instead of panel replacement, check that VERY LITTLE filler is used, if at all.
3) check opening/closing of door
4) check body alignment OK (use measurements from laser/vision machine?). Check results of any frame work done (how?)
5) check replacement paint swatch for match with all body panels, in good light. Shop will mostly do a good job of matching, this is just for satisfying self, I guess
VISIT 3 - pick up
1) get receipts or copies for ALL replacement parts, final invoice, guarantee/warranty related docs
2) feel all newly painted surfaces by hand to find orange peel/imperfections
3) view car in sunlight at all angles to check for gross mismatches in paint job
4) drive car to ensure body/wheel alignment is fine.
5) ensure NO stains on interiors.
6) check all functions work properly
- windows one up/down
- mirror adjustments
- lights on the small button in the door interior panels
- all MMI/Infotainment functions, esp Audio from speaker on repaired door, rear sub etc
- climate control front/rear
6) wash car after 2-3 days with pressure wash and check trunk/interiors for any leaks
I would love to have all your feedback on this list above...whether it is practical, impossible, whatever...
And I hope to hear some advice too, esp on how I can keep my interior safe..
Thanks in advance!!
Over the past week I have been burdened with the guilt of dinging my pride and joy, and will have to take her to a quality body shop to get her repaired.
In short, the damage is:
- passenger side quarter panel
- passenger side door
The quarter *may* be replaced - it is the body shop's recommendation and insurance adjuster's first "thoughts".
Well, I'm almost decided on where to take it - but am wondering how best I can prepare my girl for this ordeal. She has light gray interiors, and I would like them to remain stain/dirt free and just like new when I get her back.
Secondly I'm definitely planning on visiting the shop at least twice a week (over 3 weeks :yikes
to check progress (shop was very understanding about that, so it should be cool). I want to make a list of "checkpoints" i.e. stages when some major portion of work is finished/about to be started so that I can check how well they are doing the repairs.
I came up with the following very basic list, and would like you all to add your expert insights.... I can combine them into a 'checklist' doc once we have some critical mass of inputs..
Here's what I have in mind:
VISIT 1:
1) visit after all dismantling is done (day 1-2), prior to submitting "supplement" form to insurance. Follow up with insurance adjuster and shop to ensure no used/refurb parts are being forced onto shop by insurance. Only new, OEM Audi parts, make sure this is on all paperwork. Insist on receipts.
2) Check if there is any "frame" damage. Hopefully NOT! Maybe this is done by a laser/vision measuring system?
3) Check if there is any damage to rocker panel
4) Ensure all interiors (seats/panels/headliner) are removed and stored safely and COVERED to keep them clean.
VISIT 2
1) check that replacement quarter lines up perfectly with adjacent panels and gaps are perfect with decklid, rear bumper and door. Check welded joints for seamlessness to the touch and verify corrosion protection was given (how?)
2) If dent is pushed out instead of panel replacement, check that VERY LITTLE filler is used, if at all.
3) check opening/closing of door
4) check body alignment OK (use measurements from laser/vision machine?). Check results of any frame work done (how?)
5) check replacement paint swatch for match with all body panels, in good light. Shop will mostly do a good job of matching, this is just for satisfying self, I guess
VISIT 3 - pick up
1) get receipts or copies for ALL replacement parts, final invoice, guarantee/warranty related docs
2) feel all newly painted surfaces by hand to find orange peel/imperfections
3) view car in sunlight at all angles to check for gross mismatches in paint job
4) drive car to ensure body/wheel alignment is fine.
5) ensure NO stains on interiors.
6) check all functions work properly
- windows one up/down
- mirror adjustments
- lights on the small button in the door interior panels
- all MMI/Infotainment functions, esp Audio from speaker on repaired door, rear sub etc
- climate control front/rear
6) wash car after 2-3 days with pressure wash and check trunk/interiors for any leaks
I would love to have all your feedback on this list above...whether it is practical, impossible, whatever...
And I hope to hear some advice too, esp on how I can keep my interior safe..
Thanks in advance!!
