Body Repair/Paint for Daily Driver
 

A few weeks ago someone felt that my 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee looked to be in too good of shape and decided to share their bumper paint with mine while trying to park. No note left behind, but it happened in the parking lot where my wife has been going to physical therapy where there aren't enough handicap parking places for all the tags, so I bet they didn'e even realize they smashed upd the bumper and even a small section of the body above the bumper.

So, I've had quotes done at 2 shops and am not happy with either - one was too cheap for good reason and the other was too extensive and expensive. I am hoping the Dorki's can give me some other options to check out. I live in Chantilly, so somewhere close to me would be best.

Thanks,

-Skip

Body Repair
 

I'm having some work done next week and will let you know how the quality of work is. They come highly recommended, and they are in Sterling.

x2

I'm looking for some minor paint touch up and door ding/hail damage repair. I'll go where its recommended, but Prince William is my preference.

My VW was hit in september (both doors and fenders on drivers side) and I had D&V body shop (used to be on Poland, now moved up off of 606) do the repair work and it looks good as new again. fwiw, there were a few Ferraris and Masers in their parking/shop lot as well as "regular" cars.

Ok,

I have a friend that owns a paint and body shop in the Route 1 area that can do a great job and his price is pretty reasonable. I am waiting to get my car out of the shop and can show it sometime if you would like. Send me an email if you need the info.

Skip,

I have a friend that owns a paint and body shop in the Woodbridge, Va area. He is always asking me to bring him some work so he can threat you very good. Let me know if you want the information.

Best regards,
Glenn

Okay, so here is this promised info.

Company:

Craftsman Auto Body, Inc. of Dulles
9B Bryant Court
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 478-2210
POC: Gregg Tapia

My work was performed at a nearby facility:

202 Lane Court, Suite C
Sterling, VA 20166

Customer Service: Friendly and professional. Answered all questions to my satisfaction.

Experience: The technician that did my metal work was named Don; he is third generation body man and two of his sons and a nephew also work there.

Quality of Work: Easy job, but looks great. I damaged the right quarter of the truck box between the cab and the wheel well (my fault, I was making room for someone exiting the garage at work and thought I had clearance to make the corner without scraping a pole - not). They were able to push the metal out from the inside without any cutting, drilling or "weld-on" pullers; very minimal amount of composite filler to smooth it out. Required sliding the bed back to get proper painting access; painted entire side of box and blended into the tailgate, cab and door. Paint looks good in terms of match, but I have to caveat - I picked my truck up today and haven't seen it in the sunshine to gauge the paint match, but it looks good and the shop was proud of it.

Warranty: Lifetime warranty on all work for as long as I own the vehicle.

Number of days to completion: Estimated 5 days, completed in three.

Price:

Euro Pros estimated $2,600
Pohanka Body Shop estimated $1,900
Craftsman estimated $1,500, but work was less involved than expected to they dropped it to $1,390.

All in all, for daily driver / tow vehicle repair I would consider this experience worthy of endorsement and referral.

thanks for the writeup Eric. I'll try to get in touch with them when I have a chance. This isn't at the top of my to-do list as it is really just the back bumper.

-Skip

You're welcome. If you contact Greg Tapia, please let him know that I referred you. Unless Greg recommends someone different due to the application, I would ask for Don to do/coordinate the work. Hopefully your experience will be as positive as mine.