What I saw today...

 

What's the back story? Were you involved in an accident? New body kit?

 

Sorry, I didn't mean to be cryptic... Just had to step away and didn't have time to elaborate.

Some unknown substance hit the front of the car and ruined the paint (as shiny as it may look, it is full of "braille"). It's not clear what it is or where it came from, but it really did a number on the car, and the whole front is getting repainted. I had never seen anything like this.

 

Are you going to have the 3m clear bra put on to protect the new paint job?

 

Yes, definitely. I was debating it in my mind, and it feels foolish not to.

 

Any update on how your car turned out?

 

i'm curious to see what the damage looked like. need those touring wheels.

 

Hi there, sorry for the delay... I didn't forget you and I certainly wouldn't conceive of not providing an update! The car was almost done when you posted, and I wanted to wait until it was complete before posting an update. Then, I got crazy busy, and here we are!

The car is finally done (as of earlier this month). It was a process... Between dealing with insurance and other wrinkles along the way, the whole thing took over two months.

I will say that, at least in this area (where people - by and large - are not as "connected" to their cars), it seems that even the best body shops cut some corners/work too fast to keep throughput high. I've only needed body work a few times before, but every time, I have had to bring the car back for one reason or another. It's always made right, but it takes effort. This time was no exception. Nothing major was wrong (and most people wouldn't have even noticed [car looked perfect to my wife from the get-go, until I pointed some things out]), but I had to bring the car back a couple of times.

I can understand the "production line" mindset (to a limited extent), and I also gather that insurance companies sometimes tend to underpay/underestimate, but it can get frustrating, as I am attentive to detail and notice everything. I also usually set expectations very clearly (and cordially) upfront before the car is even touched, so I don't know why people don't believe me when I tell them what I am looking for (and that I am a bit particular)!

Anyway, overall, the body shop did a nice job, and the reassembly was far better and cleaner than what I've experienced before elsewhere (e.g., missing clips, loose screws, etc. - none of that here, plus they did a really nice job reinstalling my Tee/CJITTY LEDs). I would use them again. Looking back, I just think that a little extra time on the details throughout the process would have saved us all some time, costs and aggravation later on. However, I will - any day - take this and their attitude (which was overall pleasant, even though we had some challenging exchanges at one point) over dealing with the incompetence and shady characters that some people on CL have encountered at body shops. These people are honest, nice and know what they're doing.

Without further due, here are some pictures. I can share more detail on the steps/issues if you're interested. The first three pictures are of the damage, which is a bit difficult to appreciate; you can see the spots, but it's hard to see the "braille" on the paint. The last one is of the car after completion, pinstripe* and clear bra on. I'm glad that the clear bra is on, as I can now drive on the highway without stressing about damaging the new paint!

*Most LS460s sold at Sewell, as mine was to its original owner, seem to have this "option"... I had no choice but to have the pinstripe redone on the front fenders to match the rest of the car.

 

Thx for the update! Sounds like you are pleased with how the car turned out in the end, and that what its all about.