Hey all

Just had a horrible thing happen... The neighbor's kid rode his bike into my garage and scraped it along the side my MINI. (yes past the point of buffing it out)

His mother came in to apologize and as I inspected there are some scratches on the boot too.

Yes I am sick, but how mad can you be at a 4 year old. (pretty mad right now, but I am sure it will pass)

She said she'll pay for whatever it takes to fix it.

Can someone hook me up with the best possible body shop to take care of this?
I have heard mention of Loren, but don't have his number, or the name of his body shop. I'll call Hendrick in the morning to get their suggestions as well.

OK, I'm going to go throw up now.

 

Lauren will do you right.
Import Paint and Body Inc
(704) 535-0571
(704) 536-0278
6173 E Independence Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28212

 

Import Paint and Body Shop
6173 E. Independence Blvd.
Charlotte, NC (sorry, I don't have the ph # though I imagine someone will post it soon)

At least your neighbor didn't just shrug her shoulders,say "boys will be boys", and walk off! Sad to hear of the damage. Loren should be able to fix you up though.

 

Thanks guys.

That's already two votes for Lauren.
Is that who Hendrick uses as well? I wonder if I go through Hendrick if they'll give me a loaner while it's being fixed?

I want to get this fixed ASAP

 

count yourself lucky that some college kid with no money didn't attempt to shovel your bonnet... i still have four huge white scrapes up the length of the hood! i just keep in mind how much fun she is to drive... the scrapes i'll take care of eventually.

 

JJ

I am sorry to hear about what happened. I have come close a couple of times with my own kids in the garage either riding something or pushing it around.

Back in 1975 I bought a new Corvette. While I was parked at work a kid pulled up with his 10 speed bike with sharpe pedals. He paused up against the car to look in the window and as he rode off the pedals dug into the fiberglass door. I feel your pain.

Loren at Import Paint and Body would be my choice. Hendrick MINI sends all their body work to Loren along with all their BMW and Porsches. He will do a good job. When you talk to him let him know you are in the club.

His number at work is 704-535-0571.

Hang in there.
George

 

I am so sorry to hear about the damage. I dread the day when I get the first scratch on mine. At least it wasnt keyed and you had to pay for it yourself. I have heard good things about loren. My friends M3 was worked on there and I cant even tell that it was repainted.
dinger28

 

MINIMAXXNC, aren't you going to the detailing clinic this Saturday? It is being held at Import Auto Body, which is Loren's shop. One look at some of the work he has done, and you will know your car is in good hands. Plus, Loren is a MINI fanatic like us, and active in our club!

I doubt the dealer would put you in a loaner since it's not a warranty job, but you can line up a rental through Hendrick.

Sounds like the garage is now "off limits" when cars are parked there to me...

Funny that cars have personalities that match their owners...Your car needs to heal just like your leg!

Things will be better soon--for both of you <G>.

 

good comparison Tarzan... that cracked me up!:smile:

I did go see Loren today. NICE guy. He was doing a MINI repair while I was there, some guy in a MINI T-boned a Ford truck, needed a new front end and hood, also one of the engine mounts droped.
It was obvious Loren took pride in what he did. I also checked out his MINI. (Pretty cool!)

MAXX is scheduled in 3 weeks with Loren. I have no worries.

I will still be there this weekend for the detailing clinic.

 

I can sympathize... Sorry to hear about the damage.

My car was rear-ended about a month after I got my new MINI... by a young driver in a hopped up Mustang.

1st I was
then (not literally)
then
and now I'm all :smile:s &

Time and paint heals a lot of car wounds.

Try not to look at it for 3 weeks.
The MINI will still drive the same after the inconvience of getting it fixed.

See you Saturday

 

Man that Bites!


The only thing that makes a ding worse, is when they are self induced, like mine .

About 6 months into ownership, I managed to ding my driver's door at a local gas station. After making sure I pulled forward enough to clear the metal pipe, I opened the door right into the corner of an 8 inch high concrete island for the trash can. By the way, there was no trash can!

 

JJ,

I'm sorry to hear about your baby. Have you seen or spoken to Loren yet? Someone had ripped off my rear tow hook cover and Loren painted a replacement cover for me that matches perfectly! I can only imagine how you felt when you first saw the damage !
Fortunately we have resources around us like Loren and Dent Wizard!
I hope all is going well and hop to see you some Saturday at the store...

Sincerely,
Steve.
P.S. I just hit my break-in mark today! Wooohooooo!

 

I've been to a lot of paint shops over the years in the charlotte area. Only one has made me get on my knees and kiss the feet of the painter as much as the last.

Turn 2 Collision which is right behind the Lowes Motor Speedway. Absolutely amazing paint work. I'd be happy to let you look at my Mustang which was wrecked earlier this year and put back together by T2C. The paint is flawless, no overspray and excellent color matching.

These guys know their spit!