Auto body repair & detailing/auto body repair

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Expert: William Forster - 2/12/2009


Question
My car was just repaired for a cost of $4000 canadian, approx $3117 us.  Frame had to be straightened, new back bumper painted and installed, new signal/brake light installed, quarter panel painted, trunk floor hammered out flat. All this took a week.  Looks good, but my question is, was the cost a reasonable price?  I didn't get other estimates so I don't know if it was or not.  Thanks.

Answer
Sounds plenty reasonable to me. Paint materials are about 30 bucks per paint hour, frame time pays out at around 60 dollars per frame hour, god knows what all the broken parts cost- they always make up a huge chunk. You did fine. Next time, get 2 estimates. Bill

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William Forster

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22 year veteran, 2 years of vocational training. A.S.E. certified Master collision repair/refinish technician. I-CAR certified. 17 yrs. GM experience. I can answer most questions related to automotive body repairs, ranging from small scratch repairs all the way up to the most extensive collision repairs. I can expertly advise people on what to expect from their body shop experience, right down to what self repairs should, and should not, be done. Lastly, I can advise tricks and tips for classic car restoration, such as lead repairs. SORRY, I DO NOT DO ONLINE ESTIMATES OR GIVE PARTS PRICES!! BE PREPARED FOR THE CORRECT ANSWER- NOT THE ONE YOU WANT TO HEAR. I won't B.S. you, or sugar coat answers. Just plain, hard facts.

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