13 replies to this topic

[Screwdriver]

Was rear ended at a red light by a delivery driver in a Vauxhall. Very low speed but it was enough to dent the rear boot lid (see picture) and the lower right hinge above the bumper. I was able to push the dent out myself but it is still slightly uneven and hence noticeable. 

 

Aviva waived the excess entirely as the fault was entirely the other drivers, and offered to book the Mini into a garage for me. I have the following thoughts:

 

1) I'd prefer not to repaint, as the color is known to be very hard to match, even for experienced body shops.

 

2) The dents are small enough to warrant a dent repair service like - http://www.smartwayl...o.uk/services/. That being said, they don't know Classic Minis and the lower hinge may prove difficult.

 

3) If I have to take the car in, I'd prefer a body shop that knows their Minis but could be overthinking this.

 

Any advice is more than welcome! While it is rotten luck, we're lucky that its so minor. 

 

Cheers!

 

Attached Files

•  image1.jpeg   65.81K   6 downloads

[panky]

Personally I think that it will need a new boot lid. Awkward place to try and knock that dent out perfectly and no chance of leaving the paint intact - sorry.

[Screwdriver]

I've actually been lucky to be able to use padding to protect the inner paint while I hammered the dent out - I'd say an 75% improvement to what you see above. I'm positive this can be improved upon by someone who knows what they're doing.

 

The lower right hinge is a different matter. . . 

[panky]

It's worth a try, hopefully someone will recommend a bodyshop who can sort the rest out for you.

[mab01uk]

As has been said a new bootlid and repaint is likely the best solution. Any good bodyshop should be able to match the colour.

 

Not sure if you have a high level rear brake light fitted but if not they are a good idea to help reduce the risk of modern car drivers rear ending classic Minis.......although drivers texting and facebooking will still hit you no matter what!

Edited by mab01uk, 28 August 2017 - 08:25 AM.

[Laurie]

Where are you based? For me in the Wild West of England Gloucester mini or Somerfords are extremely close by

[cal844]

New bootlid or a bit of filler

[Dusky]

Induction dent repair might save it. Not 100% sure as the pic is Tiny on my Tiny phone .

[Screwdriver]

As has been said a new bootlid and repaint is likely the best solution. Any good bodyshop should be able to match the colour.

 

Not sure if you have a high level rear brake light fitted but if not they are a good idea to help reduce the risk of modern car drivers rear ending classic Minis.......although drivers texting and facebooking will still hit you no matter what!

 

I actually have purchased the 3rd stop light and was supposed to fit it next month. 

 

Induction dent repair might save it. Not 100% sure as the pic is Tiny on my Tiny phone .

 

I've never used induction dent repair. I'll look for a provider quote - any recommended providers are welcome for the South London area. 

[Ethel]

Wood & Pickett maybe? If it's just that dint I don't think you need a specialist, but they will be more familiar with matching the colour. Looks to be stretched too much to just push out. They wouldn't need the car while they're painting a new boot lid and I doubt it'd cost more than the labour to panel beat the crinkly one.

 

As it's so clear cut, I trust your no claims is also safe? Otherwise cut out the middle man and claim direct off the other party's insurance

[Laurie]

 
As it's so clear cut, I trust your no claims is also safe? Otherwise cut out the middle man and claim direct off the other party's insurance

I'd be concerned with the age of the car, factoring a respray of the boot , new part and checking geometry they'd write off the car.
I'd go cash from other party route, I'm sure they'd agree as their insurance remains intact

[Ethel]

Only your own insurers can write your car off. A third party would have to argue you're asking for more than the car's worth.

[Steve220]

I wouldn't worry about paint matching. Any bodyshop worth their money will get it right or blend it so you won't see it.

[Laurie]

Only your own insurers can write your car off. A third party would have to argue you're asking for more than the car's worth.

I hit a car a few years ago now, same as op rear ended at lights (they in my defence were green other party decided to stop!), my insurance and theirs declared it 100% my fault and my insurance wrote off the other car, so it can and does happen. This car was 'only' about 17yrs old at the time too, the majority of classic Minis are going to be older.

I suggest nay stress to anyone get a dashcam! They're lifesavers! I wish I'd had one for that but it ended up my word against theirs