| Subject | Date Asked |
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| 06 mitsubishi eclipse bumper damage | 2/10/2009 |
Q: I recently got into a car accident and hit the back of a 06 eclipse. There is minor damage, paint is ...
A: Ruby- It is not uncommon for plastic bumper covers to require replacement when they are damaged. I ...
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| CHEVY AVALANCHE BODY ARMOR | 2/5/2009 |
Q: I have a couple of scuffs on my body armor that are very superficial without much real damage (rub ...
A: Michael- These panel are typically replaced in the shop even with minor scuffs or scrapes. They ...
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| stripping paint from a vintage | 2/2/2009 |
Q: I believe we have corresponded before. My paint job on my pickup turned out very well. Now I am ...
A: Blaine- I always recommend media blasting for anyone that wants to strip paint, however- I am in no ...
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| Was my auto repaired correctly? | 1/31/2009 |
Q: I received my vehicle back from the private auto body repair shop yesterday. The insurance co. ...
A: Lynne- I have never heard of replacing a vin sticker on a panel in 11 years. I have never known them ...
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| collison advice on 99 Silverado | 1/29/2009 |
Q: I have a 99 Silverado pickup. Someone hit the rear end of the bed while it was parked at my son's ...
A: Kelly- It is hard for me to make a judgement on this when I can't actually see the damage. I do ...
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| auto body repair | 1/18/2009 |
Q: I Bought a certified used car , a few weeks later I noticed an "X" shaped crack in the rear lower ...
A: Sue- There are many reasons this may happen. My advice to you is to have it looked at by an ...
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| 2004 Volkswagen Jetta | 1/6/2009 |
Q: I had an accident in Aug 2008 impact was on the right front $8000 damage, insurance decided to ...
A: Jennifer- Unfortunately you have the burden of proof to show the insurance company that it is ...
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| repair hood-right door-fender | 1/3/2009 |
Q: I accidently bumped into someone-my hood and hood cable need replacing. I purchased a hood from the ...
A: Suzanne- None of this is rocket science- but... You will need proper tools, access to an air ...
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| 2006 honda civic core support damage | 7/10/2008 |
Q: I'm in the process of buying a 2006 Honda Civic. The owner has said the car was in a front end ...
A: david- DO NOT buy this car without having it looked at by a competent body tech or reputable body ...
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| Cut and Weld my frame | 7/9/2008 |
Q: I financed a 2006 GMC envoy,in immaculate condition. On the sixth day I had the vehicle a guy ran a ...
A: Melinda- I will make this straight forward- (I'm so tired, but you need help!) 1) Trust your shop! ...
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| 2004 Pontiac Grand AM | 7/1/2008 |
Q: I was in a head on collison in this vechicle. When I got it back the first thing I noticed was the ...
A: Hanna- Anything is possible. I am sorry that you have had to incur these expenses after the crash. ...
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| bent frame | 12/14/2007 |
Q: would you accept a insurance company having the frame on your truck replaced 2006 silverado with ...
A: Dewayne- A frame replacement should have less of an impact on the integrity of your truck than many ...
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| What book value do adjusters look at to determine value. | 12/13/2007 |
Q: I just wrecked my 2000 Dodge Durango SLT. Whole front clip is gone, power steering, and dent to ...
A: Tammy- The insurance companies usually use NADA. They also have other resources to determine value. ...
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| rustproofing/inhibitor/underbody protection&sound deadner | 12/8/2007 |
Q: Could I get your unbiased opinion please. Regarding rustproofing/inhbitor/underbody protection. I ...
A: Joe- I believe the factory applied rustproofing to the underbody of the vehicle should suffice for ...
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| 2001 Honda Civic Driver's Side Mirror | 12/5/2007 |
Q: This morning I was going through the drive-through window at the pharmacy and didn't see the bright ...
A: Jill- Hopefully only the mirror is damaged. These can usually be replaced inexpensively, 100-200 for ...
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| 99 GMC Denali | 12/2/2007 |
Q: I was told the frame on my 99 GMC Denali is bent beyond repair. What are my option?
A: Jo- Due to the age of the vehicle it may be too expensive to have the frame replaced. At 8 years ...
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| simoniz system5 | 11/30/2007 |
Q: Question We just purchased a new car and we are having Simoniz 5 applied to the painted metal ...
A: Fred- I'm sure it's too late for this type of advice but here goes. I know that these sealant ...
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| how to fix a broken bumper | 11/28/2007 |
Q: Yesterday it was too icy-slippery to abruptly stop, and I bumped into the rears of another car. The ...
A: Eugene- You will almost certainly have to have the bumper cover replaced. These plastic covers can ...
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| Bumper skidmark | 11/26/2007 |
Q: I was pulling into my parking space at my work and the bumper of my car grazed the side of a 2003 ...
A: There are many factors that can result in significant repair cost. The best advice I can give you is ...
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| hit and run damage - estimate | 11/11/2007 |
Q: i understand its difficult to answer an estimate question without a photo, but i'll try anyway. i ...
A: Jenni- Sorry about the bad luck. The damage could be as little as 600-800 or as much as 1400-1600. ...
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| what is persentages of labors for auto painting | 11/4/2007 |
Q: hole car=100 removing chrome,locks,bumpers,grill and wind shield etc=___ striping and removing old ...
A: Erik- Unless you have a lot of experience and a good downdraft booth in which to spray the car- base ...
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| Windshield replacement problems | 9/30/2007 |
Q: I have a 2000 Chevy Astro van. I had to have the windshield replaced 2 weeks ago. Yesterday I took ...
A: Jo- I hope I have responded soon enough for you. It is more likely a problem with the reveal ...
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| Auto body repair estimate | 9/29/2007 |
Q: I was in 2 minor accidents in the last 2 weeks. The day before going for an estimate for the damage ...
A: Karl- It can certainly be expensive to repair cars these days. Consider the price you paid for ...
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| rust repair | 9/9/2007 |
Q: 2001 chev suburban lower panel in front of rear wheel 7"x10" area minor bubbling of paint. brought ...
A: Greg- Absolutely not. Without seeing it I can't say for sure but- The bubbling may be from a few ...
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| side impact | 9/3/2007 |
Q: if the unibody on the passanger side on my 2004 Pontiac Grand AM is bent in from a side impact of an ...
A: Cathy- I usually hesitate to answer questions such as this because I can't actually see the damage ...
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| jetta door - sound insulation - mates | 8/23/2007 |
Q: 2006 jetta damage to right doors, new door panels put on. what is installed in the doors for sound ...
A: Joe- There should be sound deadening materials applied to the inside of the doors. I am not sure on ...
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| Cracking & flaking of newly-painted bumper cover | 8/16/2007 |
Q: A ford Windstar van had left quarter panel and rear bumper repairs - including R&R of the rear ...
A: Neil- While you may have a totally legit complaint here I am sorry to say that probably the warranty ...
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| Who's fault | 7/20/2007 |
Q: My boat was repaired through an insurance claim at a marina and the repairs were substandard. I felt ...
A: John- The contract is ultimately between you and the repairer. My assumption is that you must have ...
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| rear doors on a 1998 honda civic | 7/15/2007 |
Q: My son's back doors just stopped opening from the outside, first it was the one on the drivers side ...
A: Retch- A number of abuses can happen to cause the door handle linkage from disconnecting inside the ...
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| door jammed | 7/14/2007 |
Q: while I was taking my car off the ramps after a oil change I was pushing it and jumped in and ...
A: Bob- Sorry about the misfortune. I am afraid that some damage may have been done to the hinge ...
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| Passenger Side Front Fender | 7/8/2007 |
Q: I recently accidentally backed into my father-in-law's Dodge Neon with my Ford Expedition. What is ...
A: Brady- A CAPA fender is a suitable replacement. Fender replacement may require front bumper cover ...
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| stripping paint | 7/7/2007 |
Q: I was just wondering what is the best way to strip paint off my 68 C10? I have seen articles that ...
A: Joey- Chemical stripper is a very effective way of removing paint and saving a ton of dust, work, ...
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| Scratched bumper | 7/5/2007 |
Q: Aloha, Is there anyway to repair a scratched bumper? Just bought an used 2006 CR-V and it has some ...
A: Eddie- These molded plastic textured bumper covers are usually irreparable. Only a remanufactured ...
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| 97 cobra | 6/29/2007 |
Q: I was wanting to know how much u think it would cost to replace a qtr panel, left rear on a 97 ...
A: Charles- A 1/4 replacement is a pretty involved repair and can cost as much as 2500-3000 depending ...
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| Frame sizing instead of totaling car | 6/19/2007 |
Q: My Nissan ALtima 2003 was hit broad side by a semi. Damage was done to the driver's side from ...
A: Sue- Sorry I am so slow to reply. I am afraid that the shop has not educated you about the actual ...
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| estimate | 6/9/2007 |
Q: I have a 2000 Toyota corolla CE that I received free from a family member...since you can't go wrong ...
A: Lysa- It is nearly impossible for me to give any sort of estimate without the ability to see the ...
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| frame damage | 6/8/2007 |
Q: I have just learned that my 2002 lexus had been wrecked with frame damage. total damages where ...
A: Troy- A few thoughts come to mind. I have experience dealing with Lexus. They are a fine car and ...
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| bumper | 6/5/2007 |
Q: I was in a mall parking lot and hit a van at the right back bumper. There was no stop sign or ...
A: Brenda- This is what you pay your insurance company for. Let them handle it. They will investigate ...
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| 2002 Nissan Maxima FL, Left side accident | 6/1/2007 |
Q: I was involved in an auto accident on Jan-17-2007. I was turning left and entered a center turn ...
A: Chris- Usually in a case such as this where there is disputed liability people will go through ...
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| Hood Replacement of 2005 Vibe | 5/30/2007 |
Q: Mark, I backed a Honda CRV into the front of a 2005 Pontiac Vibe causing a 5 inch dent at the center ...
A: Gail- In the interest of safety I would never recommend anything short of a new hood and possibly a ...
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| Help I have a major problem with a purchase and repair | 5/27/2007 |
Q: I bought a car over the internet advertised on autotrader.com. I live in PA and the car was in FL. ...
A: Terilyn- Wow. I think you should get some legal advice. This is just not my area of expertise at ...
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| Poor Work by Bakersfield Auto Body Shop | 5/26/2007 |
Q: A month ago I was told to take my truck to this body shop that was an authorized shop for 21st ...
A: Bob- I am sorry to hear about this unfortunate incident. My only advice is to avoid wasting any ...
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| Bad Car repair? | 5/24/2007 |
Q: My car was in an accident. The ABS, TCF(or tfc) light and some other light came on. Also I had some ...
A: Monique- The body shop should have taken care of it, if you take it back to them they should send ...
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| rust paint | 5/23/2007 |
Q: we have a 2004 Honda CRV. There is a bubble of rust near the back of the roof. I was told this was ...
A: Leon- There are reasons for removing the headliner, but they should not include to "inspect for ...
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| Bumper repair Scratches Repaint | 5/22/2007 |
Q: Mark, I own a 2002 honda. Recently got some nasty scratches on the rear bumper. The Plastic is black ...
A: Ted- With today's finishes it is not really a do it yourself type of repair but kudos to you for ...
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| paint job on hood | 5/21/2007 |
Q: I bought a 97 Chev. Cav. Convertible that had a small dent in the hood. We had a "part-time"auto ...
A: Patty- It sounds as though he may have used cheap materials or a single stage paint that has not ...
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| proper painting practices | 5/17/2007 |
Q: My fender and other front end parts were damaged from debris on the highway recently and now I'm ...
A: Kern- It seems that the insurance company has done a miserable job at explaining partial panel ...
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| repair estimate | 5/8/2007 |
Q: I was in a collison last week where a gentleman in his beat-up truck drove into the lane I was in. ...
A: Norma- I am sorry about your misfortune. I too recently had a similar experience with a car wash. ...
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| 87 accord | 5/4/2007 |
Q: 87 accord The frame in the rear where the trunk starts above the rear axle (if it had one that is) ...
A: Tim- Major safety issue and major cost to repair. Turn and run from this car if you are considering ...
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| Swirl marks in clearcoat on Black 2006 Volvo S80 | 4/9/2007 |
Q: Mark, I recently purchased a 2006 Volvo S80 with 14,000 miles on it. The color is "Black sapphire ...
A: Debbie- I am not sure if your insurance company will cover swirls or fine scratches on the car. I ...
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| Suburban fender flare removal | 3/31/2007 |
Q: I have a 98 Suburban with factory black plastic fender flares. I would like to remove them so they ...
A: Jim- Paint them on the vehicle. It will require a bit of meticulous masking but save you hours of ...
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| bowed hood | 3/29/2007 |
Q: This morning I rear ended a Jeep Cherokee with my 5 series BMW. Seeing as my car is lower, His ...
A: Street- Enlist the help of a friend to pull the inside release while you sit on, jump up and down ...
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| dent repair | 3/28/2007 |
Q: I have a brand new Toyota Prius that sustained some dents recently from falling icicles. Two of the ...
A: Jenn- This is a repair that can easily cost a couple of thousand dollars. Immediately contact a ...
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| 2000 Dodge Stratus Front Bumper Repair Question | 3/26/2007 |
Q: Recently, my buddy decided to park behind me while I was pulling out of the driveway, and I ended up ...
A: M- Get a written estimate from the shop of his choice. Ask him if he will consider a remanufactured ...
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| Bent Frame | 3/24/2007 |
Q: Our 97 Dodge Neon was recently in car accident. Our insurance co. total loss our 97 dodge neon. We ...
A: You must have the damage evaluated by a body shop and get an estimate for the frame repairs only. ...
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| CAR WAX | 3/24/2007 |
Q: in your opinion, what is the best car wax that will give a long lasting shine?
A: Ken- I have always recommended products by Meguiars. In the shop we are usually concerned about the ...
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| nissan murano 2006 | 3/22/2007 |
Q: i just had a collision and i need to replace the front bumper of my nissan murano 2006 , where can ...
A: sherlly- It is almost always better- on a newer vehicle such as yours, to take it to a dealer or ...
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| estimate | 3/19/2007 |
Q: 1971 Plymouth Road Runner. 12in scratch above rear fender wheel well I am looking at an estimate of ...
A: Diane- It is very difficult for me to respond without being able to actually see the damage. It may ...
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| swirl marks | 3/12/2007 |
Q: What would you reccomend for treating swirl marks on a car? Is there something that I can purchase ...
A: Jourdan- You will almost certainly have to take the car to a professional detail shop. Make sure ...
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| fender-bender this morning | 1/22/2007 |
Q: Mark. I was rear-ended this morning in my 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix coupe by a late model Toyota ...
A: Rochelle- It is almost never a good idea to settle for cash. You may refer to my previous answers ...
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| car estimates | 1/17/2007 |
Q: i wanted to find out if i can get a written estimates of my damage car.I need it for my court day ...
A: Carlos- I can't give you an estimate without actually seeing the car. I do know what you should do ...
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| Auto body award | 1/9/2007 |
Q: Are there any auto body industry award? If so what are they and how can my shop get in the ...
A: Bryan- The only award I am aware of is a special certification from ICAR such as "Gold Class". If ...
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| bad batch of base coat | 1/8/2007 |
Q: I recently was in the process of painting my truck with black omni base/clear, the truck was wet ...
A: Warren- I am sorry to hear about this disaster! I am sure you had many long hours into prepping ...
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| Wrong Bumper | 1/7/2007 |
Q: I got into an auto accident and rear ended some one's car. I had to get my bumper replaced and it ...
A: Christi- If you can- give the shop the opportunity to make it right with you. If he is a reputable ...
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| front seat repair | 1/5/2007 |
Q: I have a 1992 GMC Suburban K1500 and the bolt that attaches the seat to the track snapped on the ...
A: Joe- This is a bit outside my expertise, but- what I can tell you is take it straight to an ...
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| painting work | 1/4/2007 |
Q: my car recently involved an accident and had damages in rear. and i have my car to repair in body ...
A: Your vehicle is painted with a three stage paint- a base coat of color, a tinted top coat, and a ...
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| Repair to body of '05 Chrysler 300 | 1/2/2007 |
Q: A co-worker of mine backed into my beautiful 05 Chrysler 300 , and crushed in right above the wheel ...
A: Susan- Please remember that this is your car and a very significant investment. Do not trust the ...
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| should I get legal help? | 12/28/2006 |
Q: Mark, My vehicle, a 1995 Honda prelude that I bought in 2002 from the original owner with only ...
A: Heather- Stop the madness with throwing money at this car immediately please. It sounds as though ...
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| Salvage Price? | 12/2/2006 |
Q: I was recently in a head on collision and have no collision insurance, so I wanted to know how much ...
A: Marcus- I am sorry about the loss of your vehicle. I know that salvage values can be quite low ...
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| Unibody Damage | 12/2/2006 |
Q: I am in the market to buy a SUV. I have researched a 2004 Nissan Pathfinder (VIN ...
A: James- I always recommend that people have the car inspected if they have any doubts about the ...
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| TOYOTA SIENNA 2001 ENGINE | 11/30/2006 |
Q: MY QUESTION IS I WAS RECENTLY IN AN ACCIDENT WITH MY 2001 SIENNA AND MY MECHANIC IS TELLING ME THAT ...
A: Gladys, My instinct tells me to get another opinion and fast! I would also advise you to involve ...
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| Guidlines for estimating | 11/27/2006 |
Q: Mark, I'll try to keep this simple as best as I can. Everyday (insurance adjusters) estimators peer ...
A: Frank- This is a very interesting question. I have been retired from the industry for 2 years now- ...
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| Estimate | 11/21/2006 |
Q: I was estimated some body work on my car and in the middle of the work being done, I was informed ...
A: Meg- I know it can be frustrating but what we call PPI's or parts price increases are unfortunately ...
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| Headlamp outage on a 2000 Chevy Blazer | 11/17/2006 |
Q: I don't know if you can help me but I will give it a shot. The other day, I got in my 2000 Chevy ...
A: Mike- I am not well suited to answer this question, however I have been involved with a ton of GM ...
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| Autobody shops | 11/13/2006 |
Q: I got into an accident 3 months ago that totaled my car and I bought a new one. Last week I got ...
A: Samantha- I am sorry to hear about your bad luck. I wish I could see the damage to the car, then I ...
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| Roof rack on Escort wagon | 11/11/2006 |
Q: I happen to have so loved my '98 Escort wagon that when I drove it to death I bought a used ...
A: Don- My suggestion is that you search the aftermarket for a suitable rack for the car. Unless you ...
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| ford windstar back bumper and sensors | 10/18/2006 |
Q: I was in a minor fender bender where I hit a 2001 ford windstar in the rear. Not much damage was ...
A: Peter, Some plastic bumper covers can be quite involved. I am always at a disadvantage when ...
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| Minor paint work on car | 10/12/2006 |
Q: Rental van got slight scratch on one door (very superficial). How much to touch-up?
A: It can be as much as 3-6 hundred dollars per panel for refinish work. That is to bring it back to ...
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| repair: filling a bumper hole | 10/11/2006 |
Q: This AM I did the stupidest thing and rear ended the back of a scion (I'm pretty sure it was an Xa). ...
A: Melissa, I have seen this a thousand times! The damage is easily repaired. The shop can repair the ...
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| Salvage? | 10/2/2006 |
Q: My 1998 Wolfsburg Edition VW Jetta was recently in an accident. The damage estimate was ...
A: Martha- I wish I had some wonderful news for you. Unfortunately, you are in a horrible situation ...
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