When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Having car starting issues so I called a tow to get the car to the shop.
Tow guy put this magnetic emergency brake light on the rear of my car, right below the rear window and above the third brake light. I said hey should we put a cloth or towel so that it doesnt scratch at my paint?
He goes no it won't damage your paint at all, I do this to all the cars I tow.
Bam when we get to the shop and he takes it off, the magnetic circles that were attached to my rear third panel brake light, right below the rear window, completely chipped up the paint.
Not even scratched, it dug into the paint and tore it up.
And to top it off the guy gave me a hard time about me not trying to pay full price for his service. Like really the thing I told you we should make sure doesnt damage my paint damaged my paint. And you ran your finger across the chips and know how deep they are.
How much do you think it is to paint this panel? And what is this panel called. I tried looking for the part online but cannot seem to find it. I wonder how much a new one is.
This is not my car, but this is the exact panel I am referring to where the 3rd brake light is mounted right below the rear window.
Yeah that is in a the ballpark. It depends if you have the rear wiper like the picture shows. To do it correctly you are looking at an hour or so repair, remove/install your 3rd brake light and wiper, and probably 1.5 hours to refinish. I can look in my estimating software tomorrow if you want.
Yeah that is in a the ballpark. It depends if you have the rear wiper like the picture shows. To do it correctly you are looking at an hour or so repair, remove/install your 3rd brake light and wiper, and probably 1.5 hours to refinish. I can look in my estimating software tomorrow if you want.
If I were you next time only allow a flat bed tow truck to be used and make sure you have the bumper hook to use and pull the car up on the bed. that way no hook is grabbing your suspension and yanking on it, and no lights need to be put on the car.
And what is this panel called. I tried looking for the part online but cannot seem to find it. I wonder how much a new one is.
First off, that sucks I really do hate it when you call someone out they ignore you then what you warned them about happens!
+996 on only ever using a flatbed
Anyway that panel is called "Rear center panel" $113.10 from Autoatlanta but its welded into place so you're better off having it repaired. I'd make some sort of claim with the tow company if possible.
Unless this guy was a real fly-by-night he should have insurance that will pay to have it fixed. Take it to a reputable body shop that YOU choose. Shouldn't cost you anything under these circumstances. +996 on using flatbed in the future. I've always insisted and AAA never questions it.
FLATBED! Anytime I call for a tow whether for my C4S or my old 300ZX the tow company asks what type of car, year and color. They then send a certain guy with a flatbed who has experience in towing what they call "special" cars. He is very careful and seems understand car obsessives like me. I know I live in small town midwest but one would think CA. would have much more experiences with "special" cars. Tow hook for Pcar is a must! Make them pay for repairs.
Hey guys thanks for the responses. I wasn't aware I could make a claim against them/him.
Do you guys know how I could start that?
the only reason I had used the service was because I called my indie porsche shop, they recommended a different company, and when I called and told them my car was located in an indoor garage with certain clearance, they referred me to this guy.
All input would be very appreciated. Is it as simple as calling him to let him know i would like to make a claim against him to fix the damages done to my car?
Last edited by silverporsche; 03-02-2017 at 07:52 PM.
So this is without the rear wiper. If you have a rear wiper add $25-$40. And as mentioned before, welded on part so 4.5 hours to R/I so it will be painted on the car. Things can also be added if they are going to blend the paint into the surrounding panels or if they will need to mask the back glass, or polish and denib after. So just keep that in mind.