July 11, 2011 - 10:30pm NSX pulled over in Irvine with 5 police vehicles?

[SuperSonic]

It should be about done by now. Have you called to see about an update. Ryan does top notch work, so for a car like the nsx, I personally wouldn't rush it. When you get it back it will look amazing. If anything is wrong he wont give it back. I dropped of my side skirts, suppose to take 4 days to do, took two weeks. I called him and he said the color code was coming out a teal color and I told him to take his time and get it perfect, and ask anyone who has seen my car, for a lbbp the sides look oem finish.

 

[audax]

Oh, I'm not complaining at all. Didn't mean it come off like that if it did.

Gail (at Bell's) has been in constant communication with me. She emails me at least twice a week with an update. I'm told that most of the delay so far was a new bulkhead art that was on backorder from Japan.

Hoping I have her back before the BBQ. *crossing fingers*

 

[nsxpowered]

Just curious if you went for an 02 conversion, with damage like that, it would be advisable if you were in the market to do so. If you need those used Gen1 parts let me know.

 

[audax]

Just curious if you went for an 02 conversion, with damage like that, it would be advisable if you were in the market to do so. If you need those used Gen1 parts let me know.

I had considered it, but the 02 front end wasn't my cup of tea. I opted to stay with the popup lights and upgraded to a carbon fiber NSX-R style ducted hood (VIS, bought from SoS).

 

[audax]

Just got back in town yesterday, and still no word on when my NSX will be done.

I'm so tired of driving rental cars that I may just go buy another car for a daily.

 

[drmanny3]

I can understand your not going with the 02 conversion. The lines of the 90 through 2001 front are not bad at all. I am surprised that this facility got such great reviews and has had your car since July 15th? So that is about a little over two months. Man that is a long time to wait for your car. And these guys are not doing it on the cheap. I am sorry, but I would be a bit unhappy with it taking that long. The parts replacement goes pretty quick. So they must be held up with the paint and finish. I think you would have done a lot better at Downforce. They are not always fast but a lot faster then what these guys seem to be. Good luck, I know you will be happy to get your car back.
Manny

 

[audax]

I can understand your not going with the 02 conversion. The lines of the 90 through 2001 front are not bad at all. I am surprised that this facility got such great reviews and has had your car since July 15th? So that is about a little over two months. Man that is a long time to wait for your car. And these guys are not doing it on the cheap. I am sorry, but I would be a bit unhappy with it taking that long. The parts replacement goes pretty quick. So they must be held up with the paint and finish. I think you would have done a lot better at Downforce. They are not always fast but a lot faster then what these guys seem to be. Good luck, I know you will be happy to get your car back.
Manny

The parts are what took the longest actually. I'm not unhappy with them by any means. I know it's been a long time, but I've seen their work, and I'm confident that it will be perfect when it's done.

The other reason I didn't want to go with the 02 conversion was the cost of materials. Having fiberglass fenders/bumper just did not appeal to me at all. Plus I think it would hurt the resale value.

 

[Track Addict]

Glad to hear that you understand perfection takes time. I'd rather wait a while longer and have my car back exactly as it was (or better) than before it was in the accident.

Daily drivers make the NSX feel so much more special. I can't wait until you get your car back, it's going to be well worth it.


Good choice on keeping the pop up headlights...they look WAY better IMHO

 

[SuperSonic]

Good choice on keeping the pop up headlights...they look WAY better IMHO

Speak for yourself john, who asked for your opinion .

 

[LMR]

Speak for yourself john, who asked for your opinion .

He's speaking for all of us with pop ups:biggrin:. They are way better than the frog/bug eyes and faster:wink:.

 

[Track Addict]

Speak for yourself john, who asked for your opinion .

The OP asked...and apparently he agrees with me and not with you


Flip ups are cooler because they're illegal...pre 02 cars are rebels

 

[drmanny3]

The parts are what took the longest actually. I'm not unhappy with them by any means. I know it's been a long time, but I've seen their work, and I'm confident that it will be perfect when it's done.

The other reason I didn't want to go with the 02 conversion was the cost of materials. Having fiberglass fenders/bumper just did not appeal to me at all. Plus I think it would hurt the resale value.

Why would you use fiberglass components? The real 02 bumpers and fenders are avavailable? The 02 conversion would not have cost you too much more than what you are paying. You would have had a headlight on one side of the car to purchase, but most everything else would have been a swap? A new bumper whether 02 or 01 and the hood whether 02 or 01 is almost a push. The fenders are the same as I recall. Of course it is your car and your choice. But perhaps you did not have the correct information going in? Or is there a large difference in oem parts from 01 to 02?
Manny

 

[audax]

Why would you use fiberglass components? The real 02 bumpers and fenders are avavailable? The 02 conversion would not have cost you too much more than what you are paying. You would have had a headlight on one side of the car to purchase, but most everything else would have been a swap? A new bumper whether 02 or 01 and the hood whether 02 or 01 is almost a push. The fenders are the same as I recall. Of course it is your car and your choice. But perhaps you did not have the correct information going in? Or is there a large difference in oem parts from 01 to 02?
Manny

Well for starters, I'm not paying anything; the other guy's insurance is. It definitely would have cost a few grand more to go with the 02+ conversion. My bumper was not replaced, so I'd have to get a new OEM 02+ bumper out of pocket. Add in the headlights and other miscellaneous parts, plus labor and it definitely could have been $3-4k extra. And that only would have taken care of the front end... add in the 02+ sideskirts and rear valance, plus painting, etc... not worth it in my opinion.

 

[drmanny3]

Taking a look at your original damage I can see your point. In my mind I had thought that the bumper was toast, and it was not. Also, I had only been thinking about the front end, but as you note there are the sides and the rear to do as well. You can do those over time, however as you pointed out initially it is a big hit. I have actually done my rear and will probably do the sides but will leave the front alone. I also kind of like the flip up lights. They are dated, but the lens were real glass and you can go to HIDs and throw out a lot of light. Good luck on your car.
Manny

 

[GO KRT]

Good luck on your repairs. My 03 was rear-ended and totaled on 7/11. The other guys insurance paid for my rentals until I received my total loss settlement check. Since I was looking for an 02-05 replacement I had no idea how long it would take so I bought a clean supercharged Miata. Less than a week later I found my replacement car.........probably would have taken longer or I would still be looking if I hadn't bought that car.

 

[audax]

Thanks.

The shop has been making some progress on the car as of late. I'll try to get some pictures up soon. I've been sans rental car for the last week; forcing myself to stay home and get some work done.

 

[MOD5 Eng.]

Thanks.

The shop has been making some progress on the car as of late. I'll try to get some pictures up soon. I've been sans rental car for the last week; forcing myself to stay home and get some work done.

Sorry for the loss. It really sucks, when you have to pay for something you did not ask for.

Anyhow, if this bodyshop continues to be a further pain. PM me, and I will get you setup with Prestige Autobody, the NSX specialists. They will take care of you...

 

[audax]

Just dropped by the body shop again.

No progress has been made. NSX is still sitting there, half disassembled. The part they had waited for is still just resting there. They again promised some progress next week.

Very little faith at this point but feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. I feel like the more I complain the lower quality the work will be. I'm sort of at a loss of what to do right now.

Insurance has already paid the shop in full for the repairs. So if it came down to taking the car somewhere else, I'm not sure how that would go down. If I don't see any progress early next week, I guess I'll have to talk to my insurance and see what I need to do.

Very discouraged...

 

[drmanny3]

I guess things have changed, as I recall that in the past you would not sign over the check until they performed and delivered. Then and only then would they get paid. So I am surpised that they got all the money. I can see that they would not be motivated to fix your car. As long as they can bring in other business, yours is a sure thing. I think I would contact the insurance agent and see if he cannot help.
Manny

 

[audax]

Yeah, I'm not sure why Progressive paid them up front. I figure that's part of the issue. Progressive paid and then they sat on the car waiting for a part and in the meantime took in more cars. Now they're behind and focusing on other cars that will pay the bills now. Just my guesstimate...

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[drmanny3]

Yea, the construction industry behaves in the same way. When we built a house in Santa Barbara, I recall we had a lot of trouble with one contractor. He was doing the stucco work. We knew he was really good. But what happened as we moved along he got a few other jobs. He would take on new jobs to lock them in. Most contractors don't like stepping in on a job already begun. So he had us by the short hairs. We made the mistake of paying him based upon where he was in the job. So when we realized he was not paying attention we stopped paying him. Then he would come around and suggest that we do some artistic things with the house and stucco. He would give us a great price and ask that we pay him as he completed the activities. And of course we did that and then he would not come back to finish the overall project. Finally in desperation we tracked down his supplier and spoke with him. Not too long after that he was back on the job. We ended up losing about three months total. That costs us in lost bids for some of the finish work we wanted in other areas. We ended up getting the great stucco job we wanted but learned a lesson in working with people in construction. I would suggest you talk with them and mention that your friends are suggesting that you contact the insurance company to complain but that you wanted to talk with them first to see what they can do. If they just give you bullshit then I would go to the insurance company and complain big time. Tell them you want to pull the car and take it elsewhere. They will intervien on your behalf. And as to the job being done properly. Don't accept anything less than what you were told you would get. If they try and just rush it through then you can counter with an internet attack via the many sites now up concerning supplier, and businesses(Yelp, and others). Sometimes if there are no consequences there is no behaviorial change. Be prepared for this taking a bit of time. And do not lose hope you will get your car back and be happy again. It sucks though.
Manny

 

[LMR]

Hey Ryan,

I have been watching this thread and it sucks the way they have handled this. I'm 100 % sure the reason it's taking so long is that they have the money already. They know most people will not go through the hassle of taking it to another shop. We're going through this right now with the wife's car at Sterling Auto Body. The other party was at fault and they paid the shop right away. Now almost a month later and we still don't have the car for a dented front fender and door. They had all the parts 2 days after we brought it in.

After your story I will NOT be taking the NSX to Bell to have the front end painted for rock chips. I was seriously thinking of going there, but not now.

Hang in there as I feel your pain and hope to see you at meet/drive soon.:smile:

Les

 

[audax]

From what I've seen, they do amazing work. That's the only silver lining right for me right now.

Honestly, if they'd just meet the dates that they give me, I'd be much much happier.

When I dropped off the car back in July, I gave them about $80 in gift certificates for In-N-Out and Chipotle... I hoped buying them a couple lunches would have bought me some goodwill.

They have cut me a sizeable deal on some work above and beyond the repairs (full repaint, shaving sidemarkers, etc.) so I'm crossing my fingers that it all works out. The end product that I have in my mind makes it all worth it.

 

[CB72]

I had a similar accident with my NSX and it took almost a year to fix...
The problems ranged from long delivery times on OEM parts,forgotten items from the defective list, pure robbery from a japanese supplier for a new CE 28 front wheel, poorly fitting panels for my 02 conversion,difficulties to find aluminium capable welders, mistakes from the logistic supplier without forgetting the uphill battle with the insurance company...
The initial forecasted cost was 32 KEuros, in the end it amounted to 35 KEuros!
Not for the faint of heart assuredly.

.
I wish you less worries than I had!

 

[audax]

Just dropped by the shop. Still no progress at all. They promised to be ready for paint on Friday.

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