7 hit in parking lot - need a garage

[jakeandlizzy]

I live in Cambridge and someone hit my car (as per normal in a big BMW and without a clue and just drove off from a security controlled parking lot with a million cameras). He/She must have backed into into or side swiped it while making the corner and got the nose/front fender and the front left wheel doesn't look to be in the same place as it usually is, i.e. not parallel with the right one! Oh, and the nose got pushed into the bonnet bending it up in the front a slight bit oddly. I haven't had a chance to look at anything else.

 

So, Adrian Flux just needs any garage to give a quote. The car probably won't drive great, but should be OK so anyone know a garage nearby(ish) that would get a reasonable quote? It doesn't need to be a 7 specialist I wouldn't think, just anyone with a wrench and a spray gun I suppose (that is good anyway).

 

oh, and I suppose it will then need to be flat floored again, etc.

 

Thanks for the help!

 

Jake

[PAUL MARRIOTT]

Seven Workshop did a good job for me

 

Paul M

[DaveMorris]

I would get the car to a specialist - as mentioned above.

Wheels not pointing in the right direction does not sound as if "any old guy with a wrench and a spray gun" would be able to sort it properly.

 

I would also go searching for the video evidence from the carpark (if you can).

[jakeandlizzy]

Agreed, I think I am going to use Taylor's Foundry Motorsport in Haverhill. It does drive but it doesn't feel the same, pulls a bit to the left (very slightly), and steers under braking slightly. So I think I will just have the guy install these: link

 

since they look cool (not that they will help) and they cost basically the same as the normal wide track kit. Then of course I will need them to do the setup all over again (and I just had it done a few months ago). Also, It is hard to tell what is bent as it is not clear, but something is, so to be save I think getting it all replaced is logical given that the price of replacing just one side is as much money as the kit!

 

While I am there replacing these bits, any suggestions on things to do? I was considering powder coating/painting/or anodizing the silver ends of the steering rack so they don't rust up as much. Also, I suppose I need a new antiroll bar then as well.

 

 

[Paul Deslandes]

Take it to Arch and get them to put it on the original jig. No one else will be able to check the chassis for alignment properly and, once this opportunity's passed and you find out later that its out of line, the insurance company won't cover you for a second look.

 

Edited to say that you're not far from Arch who are in Huntingdon.

 

 

 

Edited by - Paul Deslandes on 10 Dec 2009 13:24:55

[caterhamnut]

I'd check that the chassis isn't bent - particularly around where the wishbones join to the chassis - may have knocked a bracket out of line?

If so, Arch Motors are pretty close to you at Huntingdon - they could have a look....

 

Angus's Adventures in Sevenland

[Mike Molloy]

*thumbup* for Arch in Huntingdon. Bruce Robinson 01480 459661.

[Paul Deslandes]

great minds...........