Boonet and grill damaged!

[handyman 1417]

Just got my car out to wash it and to my horror some tosser with a tow bar has reversed into it!
It's now got a dent on the front lip of the bonnet, pushed it back about 5mm and knocked a few strakes out of the grille.Has anyone any idea of repair costs? Have protected no claims but £500 excess.

Edited by handyman 1417 on Sunday 25th October 14:23

[ariel]

I do sympathise with you, this happened to me and I only found out when my brother came in and told me. I thought he was winding me up and was fortunate to track down the offending lorry driver who, of course, denied it was him. Pay the £500 to fix by the professionals is the best option likely I'm afraid and thank goodness you've protected no-claims.

[handyman 1417]

Thanks. I have got a top guy to sort bonnet without having to paint it but will need a new bright finish grille. Any ideas on the price of these?

Edited by handyman 1417 on Sunday 25th October 13:55

Edited by handyman 1417 on Sunday 25th October 14:23

[clorenzen]

You will be looking at a big bill unfortunately. Depending on the colour )mine was Tungsten) it is very difficult to blend in any color repair. I my case I had a stone chip the size of little finger nail on the lip of the bonnet and Chips Away would not touch it and a complete re spray was needed. As I had just had a bonnet re spray paid by AML due to paint defect I could not face going through that again so left it and over the years it became like Cindy Crawfords mole. So you really only have two options - pay the 500 excess and loose your NCB or leave it and exchange the grille only.

[UH-Matt]

I *think* bright finish grill is around £270+VAT

Do you not have the pieces to put it back together yourself? Can you not bend them straight, as it all just slots together

[handyman 1417]

No I've lost 2 pieces and it's gone loose. Managed to source one from a cat B 2007 volante in perfect condition for £140 and the bonnet can be repaired and painted for £300. The sprayer is a top lad and I've seen him paint Aston's which look better than the original! He claims the factory paint process is no better than "lesser" marques and is straight forward to match. I know I've only saved a few quid but rather it was done by someone who knows what they're doing than send it to a Direct line approved body shop.