Trunk lid damage

[JD1964]

A ladder fell on my trunk. It was my fault. It’s bad enough I think I’ll get a new lid. They are $185 on CJ Pony.

About paint. Trying to decide if I pay to have it painted, or get a spray gun and whatever else I need to take a stab at painting it myself.

Any opinions on which way I should go? Any idea on cost of having it painted vs getting tools and supplies myself?

 

[billison]

Stop by a body shop and have them give you a quote . Repair and repaint may be less than or close to new with parts what not.


I’ve had bad luck painting but others have not

 

[1hot87gt]

Sorry about the damage to your car. Although my garage is neat and relatively organized, I always worry about the possibility of something like that happening. Don’t be too mad at yourself, it was an accident and could’ve been a lot worse. Anyway, I agree with Billison. Keep the original trunk lid and bring it to a body shop you trust for an estimate. By the time you get a new lid, get the equipment and supplies to paint, no less the cost of your time to do the job, everyone’s time is worth something, Billison is right, it might be the same money. Plus it looks like that car has some really nice paint. What happens when the color and or finish is not a perfect match? Then your gonna be even more frustrated and have to go to a body shop anyway. Just my two cents. Good luck with it whichever route you decide to go.

 

[Steel1]

That sucks, been there done that with a metal car ramp on my fender !
If you don't have any of the equipment or experience to spray a new lid keep in mind it won't be cheap, a good gun and
the compressor to run it could run you close to 1k. Plus a place to do it safely without exposing yourself/family to toxic
fumes could be an issue.
With that said if you've been thinking about buying the tools and learning how to paint anyways this would be a good
project to take on, lots of info online.
I've done a few paint projects for myself and family and enjoy it as a hobby, but it can be frustrating and time consuming.
Cheapest way to go would probably be to get a decklid, do the bodywork yourself then just pay a shop to shoot it.

 

[JD1964]

Here's how it happened. I have a monster of a ladder in a Little Giant M26, the older version so its the heaviest one they ever made. Trust me its a tank. Folded its about 6' high and weighs every bit of 60lbs. Well, I needed space in my van so I unloaded it and leaned it against the exterior of the garage door. A while later I was in the garage from the other end and pushed the button to open the door, not realizing my ladder was leaning on it. My back was to the door while it was opening so I did not see this happen. I heard it though! BAM!!! I turn around and this beast of a ladder is across the back of the car.

My comp deductible on this car is $1000 so this indecent is not bad enough to get the insurance company involved in my opinion.

As for keeping the "original" lid, it's not the original on there now. The car is a convertible and the lid is from a coupe (has no third brake light, luggage rack or spoiler). Underneath you can see it was originally Bimini Blue. Furthermore, the damage in the pics is worse than the pics show. Since the ladder fell on the edge, not only is the edge pushed in at the back, and up at the top, both the rear and top surfaces are also substantially buckled. Even after a good straightening the metal, I see at least a 1 sq ft area total that would have filler on it. To me the labor there alone would be more expensive than buying a replacement lid for under $200.

So, buying a new lid is pretty much the decision for that part of the job.

The paint should be easy to match since its a factory color. 1993 Electric Red code EG.

I have a compressor already and have been tinkering with the idea of buying a spray gun. The paint looks decent, especially in pictures but it's nothing to write home about. Overall the body and paint are average with some minor dings and blemishes. This repair need not be perfect, just acceptable.

All said, taking a new deck lid to a professional painter and saying "do it" makes sense. I'm just worried about the price. Not that I cant afford it but I had a new hood and spoiler painted maybe 10yrs ago. Painting alone in that event was $500. If I can get a new deck lid painted nicely for $300 or less, I'd probably go for it.

 

[JD1964]

Actually, the cheapest I've found the deck lid including shipping is $275. One place has it for $185 but shipping is $167....NO!

 

[CarMichael Angelo]

A ladder fell on my trunk. It was my fault. It’s bad enough I think I’ll get a new lid. They are $185 on CJ Pony.

About paint. Trying to decide if I pay to have it painted, or get a spray gun and whatever else I need to take a stab at painting it myself.

Any opinions on which way I should go? Any idea on cost of having it painted vs getting tools and supplies myself?

Ooooo Ooooo Ooooo let me! Let me!
I'll tell ya all about getting a spray gun and doing it yourself......

 

[JD1964]

Ooooo Ooooo Ooooo let me! Let me!
I'll tell ya all about getting a spray gun and doing it yourself......

I assume that's a NO vote.....

 

[JD1964]

Car needs a top too. I found a place that will ship for free if I spend enough. So, deck lid $185, top $175. Total $360 and free shipping. Hmmmmmm.....

 

[CarMichael Angelo]

I assume that's a NO vote.....

I'm guessing you don't follow my lack of progress thread then? If you did you'd know the answer to that without having to assume.

It's a resounding no vote....especially if the difference is only 200.00 between you painting it, and having it done.

 

[JD1964]

"lack of progress thread" ?? 'nough said

 

[JD1964]

"lack of progress thread" ?? 'nough said

between your guessing and my assuming, I think I've come to a decision