Hi,

Some jerk backed into my '05 Accord. Severely dented my driver side rear door. The door will not open now.

I bought the car from Herson's Honda in Rockville and they have their own body shop. I originally thought going to a dealer body shop would be a good idea. But I am now thinking twice about it -- having read some posts suggesting that dealer body shops are not the best.

I need some advice:

1. Any recommendations for a bodyshop in Rockville, MD?

2. In general, are dealer bodyshops better/worse/about the same as independent shops? (Herson Honda also runs a body shop.)

3. Looking at the picture below, why do you think the door won't open? Is the door likely jammed? Or is it just the lock assembly?

4. What should I look out for when I take my car into a bodyshop for this repair?

Thanks!

All advice appreciated.





Modified by mytest23 at 5:35 PM 3/1/2005

 

wow dude!!! that is severly dented back door... although it would be hard to tell you may get away with just a new door. It probably won't open because it is out of shape and jammed up around the latch and hinges. when you open the drivers door does the center section between the two doors look ok? If it does I would say a complete door will do the job. A Honda dealer should be able to cope with that... hope the other guy was insured?

good luck

 

i think you need a new door, but good luck with that since its an 05

 

Go to http://www.car-parts.com so a few for $800

 

The B-Pillar does look okay. I sure hope it isn't damaged. That would make it worse.

Yeah -- it is sad. The car is less than 3 months old. It is just killing me to see this damage -- my other car (Acura MDX about 2 years old) is spotless. I still park it away from the nutjobs to keep it ding free.

This hit-and-run happened outside a friend's house. The car was parked on the street and some *** backed into it. He didn't leave a note. My insurance will cover the damage -- but I have to cough up my deductible. Ouch.

Are door replacements easy -- can anyone do it -- or should I look around for a Honda tech with Honda-specific experience?

Thanks.

 

wow, he dinged u pretty bad! check the frame in the middle, there might be more damage other than just the door. if it's just the door I wouldn't worry, just get a new door, however if the frame is bent tough loss to swallow. if i were u ask around with friends and coworkers on who they have past experience with body shop. that is the best way to go.

 

didn't the car come with alarm? couldn't u hear it when the accident happened?

 

they charged a friend of mine $400, aftermarket door + paint on a crv... similar accident to yours...

 

damn, that sucks.

I was rear ended and pushed into another car that had pulled out in front of me. The guy that hit me ran. Now I have to cover my deductible as well. So I know how much that sucks.

I was going to have my car fixed at a local Honda dealer but after speaking with the person at the parts counter that I always talk to when I'm there, I found out they don't do the best paint work. So after speaking with my insurance (AAA), I decide to take it to another shop that is certified by AAA and the parts and labor is 100% guaranteed for life. Plus they are known for doing good work.

So dealerships may not always be the best choice is some cases.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
1. Any recommendations for a bodyshop in Rockville, MD?

2. In general, are dealer bodyshops better/worse/about the same as independent shops? (Herson Honda also runs a body shop.)

3. Looking at the picture below, why do you think the door won't open? Is the door likely jammed? Or is it just the lock assembly?

4. What should I look out for when I take my car into a bodyshop for this repair?

</TD></TR></TABLE>

When you take your car to the autobody shop tell them not to paint undamaged areas for example your driver side door or your rear panel.

Make sure they don't over spray and paint stuff that isn't suppose to be painted for example rubber moldings.

go to a quality independent shop. you get what you pay for

 

to change the door is not hard at all . ive done it on many honda's even a 2002. you need someone to help you just to lift it . its 4 bolts and one clip that holds the door from oping all the way. to open the door you will have to have someone sit inside the car and push the door out while you holding the handle up.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TouringAccord &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">damn, that sucks.

I was rear ended and pushed into another car that had pulled out in front of me. The guy that hit me ran. Now I have to cover my deductible as well. So I know how much that sucks.

I was going to have my car fixed at a local Honda dealer but after speaking with the person at the parts counter that I always talk to when I'm there, I found out they don't do the best paint work. So after speaking with my insurance (AAA), I decide to take it to another shop that is certified by AAA and the parts and labor is 100% guaranteed for life. Plus they are known for doing good work.

So dealerships may not always be the best choice is some cases.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I was told my local Honda dealer has Maaco do their paint jobs.

That is a pretty bad dent though and hopefully its just the door. Sometimes I hate having a nice car because of things like this. Im amazed the glass didnt break or crack.

You could try to install yourself but I have no idea how you would take the door off if it wont even open.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Legendaryyaj &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You could try to install yourself but I have no idea how you would take the door off if it wont even open.</TD></TR></TABLE>

You can get to the bolts holding the door to the frame but thats only good if the latch isn't stuck. If the latch isn't stuck then it shouldn't be too bad to remove the door, if it is stuck then I don't know either.

 

Thanks for your feedback guys. I've chosen to go with the dealer's own body shop. I'm going in tomorrow and will ask the following questions:

Damage
1. Door does not open – how will they open it?
2. Is the power window/power lock/door handle damaged?
3. Any other damage? B-Pillar? Other panels? Frame?

Repair
1. What will be replaced? Door? Window? Lock? Internal components?
2. We want to keep the existing interior panel – matches the car’s interior.
3. We want only genuine Honda parts.

Confirmation of Repair
1. Confirm door opens & closes smoothly.
2. Confirm power window works. Confirm window moves smoothly.
3. Confirm power locks.
4. Confirm door seal is watertight.
5. Confirm interior & exterior door handle opens door.

Paint
1. How will paint color be matched?
2. What will be painted? Is blending necessary?
3. Since this is a brand new car – we do not want any repainting of other panels (front door, rear fender, roof).

Warranty
1. How long are repairs guaranteed?
2. Copy of warranty?

 

Just wanted to update everyone on my repair. The body shop had it done in five days! And I am pleased with the result. The door/window/power locks operate smoothly. The paint match is great.

Here is a picture immediately after the repair:



Thanks to everyone who responded.

It really sucks to have some jerk back into your 3-month old car -- but the repair has made me feel better.

 

Looks great