a2599777

Have 1997 LS 400 Coach

Got a ding in the hood

Each of 3 bodyshops for the repair estimate said the hood would need to be replaced.

Due to the nature and location of the ding - the hood would eventually bend and collapse with repeated opening and closing for oil changes etc.

That is all fine. The insurace will cover the repair costs and since the car still smells new (20k miles) I wanted to keep it in tip top shape

The PROBLEM:

The hood has a vin (Vehicle Identification Number) sticker that exactly matches all the other VIN ID stickers on the vehicle - same exact numbers.

I've been told that one cannot remove the factory stickers without them spliting and falling apart - and so where would the repair shop get vin number stickers?

Since the car is in such great shape, it is tough to tell if there are
any wear differences as the other stickers all still look new too.

The "New" hood has other stickers that would normally be of factory origin - such as oil change info etc. - Would it be usual for a body shop to have replaced these as well? Or to just leave em off after the repair?

This model does have a chrome grill that seems to be what I gave them - but it may be a separate part - any ideas?

Did they just take the ding out of my OLD hood and then charge me for a new one?

Does the dealer or distributor usually replace vin number stickers on replacement body parts?

a2599777@yahoo.com

SQ-LS

If they say it gots to go I would just get a new one.
Besides the ins. is paying.

Don't worry too much about that stuff because it really won't change anything and is already on record thru the ins. company that you got it replaced.