BodyShop

[roger.daltrey]

Some fool reversed into my Europa tonight - in spite of horn pipping and all that.

Large chelsea tractor and massive hook under rear bumper caused all the damage.

Big hole in clam, and it now looks out of shape.

Seems its a common occurence, but hasnt stopped me crying my eyes out over it......

Anyone know a good lotus approved repairer in the Cambridgeshire area ?

I've no time to go hunting for one, as I'm on the road all next week.

In an ideal world I'd like a whole new front section - is this likely to happen ??

Cheers
Rog

[S Works]

Not Cambs, but Sinclaires in Romford are the 'go-to' people for Lotus repairs to the NE of London.

[bogie]

drive down to Sinclaires - only an hour or so, and yes, if its an insurance job then you do want all new parts

[roger.daltrey]

Speaking with the accident management people this afternoon, they mentioned that they would select the appropriate bodyshop for the repair.

Bit suspicious of this, as I want a lotus approved one - what rights do I have (the accident is not my fault) ?

Also

When does a bodyshop decide to repair or replace the clam ?

I want a new clam - can I insist on it ? (The car is only 4 months old)

[tanman]

roger.daltrey said:

Speaking with the accident management people this afternoon, they mentioned that they would select the appropriate bodyshop for the repair.

Bit suspicious of this, as I want a lotus approved one - what rights do I have (the accident is not my fault) ?

Also

When does a bodyshop decide to repair or replace the clam ?

I want a new clam - can I insist on it ? (The car is only 4 months old)

Its your choice were you get it repaired. Specialised in reading have an amazing reputation. Been very helpful with me as i have a scratch on my roof and a scuff on the wheelarch that they are going to do for me at the end of this month. I am travelling miles because i've never heard a bad word said about them. "Anniesdad" on here deals with this sort of stuff, try dropping him an e-mail
HTH
Tanman

Edited by tanman on Saturday 5th July 15:12

[Anatol]

tanman said:

Its your choice were you get it repaired.]

You have an absolute choice to decide where your car is repaired, and to have the vehicle restored as far as possible to a pre-accident state. The slight catch is that the responsible party or their insurer must pay all reasonable cost of the repair, and nothing more.

So it hinges on whether the charges imposed by the place you choose are reasonable or not for the service being delivered.

Insisting on a specialist with loads of experience in GRP panel repairs is probably reasonable - as may be picking someone manufacturer approved, to ensure any continuity of any warranty. If it was my car, I'd get quotes from Sinclaire's, Specialised, and the Hethel factory itself (who've been happy to quote for me in the past), and let the insurer choose the cheapest. Good reputations all round there.

Tol

[roger.daltrey]

Thats interesting - Lotus themselves could actually repair it as well ?

As I said earlier, I'd rather the hole was not repaired, but the part was replaced with a new one.

This means new front clam in this case.

As its not my fault at all, and the car is only 4 months old - how within my rights am I to insist on that ???

Also, not sure if any suspension damage, as the front really went down with some force.

Almost 48 hours later, I can now see some 'stress' type marks on the bonnet wheel arches where it 'curves over' the front wheels as if the GRP has been bent by the force of the accident..

[Hollywood Wheels]

You WILL be looking at a new front clam without a doubt mate, especially with the stress cracks at the arches, that's what tends to happen with glassfibre. It's also entirely up to you where you get it repaired. I was told that my Elise would be getting repaired by an 'approved' bodyshop, but I insisted on taking it to Sinclaires. With a car like this you need a specialist repairer.

[roger.daltrey]

If I got Lotus to do all the bodyshop work (new front clam) does anyone know if they would be able to also update to the new SE spec ?

The interior of mine is already to SE, but I think its the ECU, brakes and new wheels that would bring mine up to full new spec - oh and the new SE stickers instead ?

Obviously I'd have to pay for this - but if its in the Lotus workshop - Anyone any clues ?

[Hollywood Wheels]

Can't see why they wouldn't do all that whilst it's there, but from Lotus it's gonna be mega £££££££££ all the way. Your choice if you really think you need those things?.....

[NathanE]

If you want a new clam and the car is only 4 months old then you are well within your rights. The accident wasn't your fault.

Take it back to Hethel too, its not exactly far and the journey there is more fun than going down the boring M11 to Sinclaires or whoever. Plus hethel will probably give you an equivilent hire car

[bogie]

Sinclaires manage the whole lot for you, including getting you a like for like replacement etc, just give them a call and they would sort it out im sure

[Beachbum]

The irony here is that the specialists, as the name infers, may be so good that they can fix the issue, rather than replace it. Dealers just replace, without even considering a fix. That has been my experience so far anyway.

[roger.daltrey]

Interesting question here, but even if repaired to 'better than new' sureley a sports car will suffer a write-down just because it has been in an accident ?

And if so, would I not be entitled to recover this from the at fault party insurance company ??

[S Works]

roger.daltrey said:

Interesting question here, but even if repaired to 'better than new' sureley a sports car will suffer a write-down just because it has been in an accident ?

And if so, would I not be entitled to recover this from the at fault party insurance company ??

Not unless it's on the register. If it's only repaireable clam damage, then it's really a minor repair, despite the fact that it's bloody inconvenient for you.

[Grinnders]

A Lotus approved one isn't always a great recommendation.

I had my S1 carted to Exeter (Olympic?) approx 6 years ago when I had someone reverse into my front clam. They were the franchised dealer & repairer and it took them 3 attempts to get it satisfactory.

However, I'm still not convinced. I am currently contemplating fitting headlamp covers to my S1. It appears they tried to align the headlamp surronds with the clam too well (there is supposed to be a 1-2mm offset) and now I think there's insufficient clearance to accommodate covers without them being proud.

I'm not sure "lotus approved" is as important as finish, reputation and references.