Was cruising down the 5 yesterday and a semi ahead blew a tire. I caught shrapnel from the tire / wheel on the front end and hood. I've got some light damage to the paint and side marker. Can anybody recommend a body shop in san diego / south orange county? No luck on a search here.

 

I've used European Auto Body in Escondido. They have done work great work on my SLK55, and my wife's car. I'd use them again in a heartbeat.

 

Thanks philm. I'm trying to post some pix too. The impact of a big chunk of tire caused something to break loose in the right turn marker. It looks like some decorative thingomybob that used to cover the yellow turn bulb. It's hanging in the middle. I have a pic of the damaged righ side and the opposing normal side. Anybody have an opinion: Can this be fixed or is it ok that it just hangs there? Thanks to all.

 

Have you got a clearer picture . I can't tell if the paint is all the way through the clear coat. I se some scoff too but that's just rubber . I think it be repaired easily.

I had a similar incident but with a truck towing a boat where the tire to the trailer blew and the thing was swerving in front like a dog wagging its tail . The rubber flew everywhere but since it was a small tire it broke into tiny bits and I did swerve out of the way . No damage whatsover .

 

Ouch. I totally feel for you, my little mishaps recently seem pretty trivial to what just happened to you.

Hope whatever shop you go to gets you back out on the streets in good as new condition.

 

I get a lot of crap shot up at me on the track, the rubber scuffs will rub right off with some light pressure from you finger. I also use my finger nail while washing the car to get some of the tougher ones.

 

The best place to take your car is West Coast Specialties off Miramar. They are the only people I let work on my Porsche. Ask for Ryan Hernandez. They are the best.

http://www.westcoastspecialties.net/

 

Well I took out my hose and kit and gave the car a thorough cleansing. I think I did luck out somewhat! Northvan & yrralis, I used alot of elbow grease carefully and most of the crap came off. There's minor damage / dings left but it could have been worse. Now I'd like to do something about that loose light bulb trim on the right marker. Can anybody point me in the right direction or link to a DIY? I think the impact just knocked it loose / broke off. This is not the way I envisioned my first post here, but I just want to say I love this very friendly and helpful site.

 

Glad most of it came off, I have a lot on my car, as some comes off easily and others take a bit of work. I get my car detailed in the fall after a hard season of track usage.

As for the light take it to the dealer, it looks like it could be covered under warranty.

Welcometo 6speed.

 

Do a search on fog light bulb installation or look in your manual. It'll tell you how to remove the housing. After that, remove the effected bulb and slide the "thingomybob" through that hole. See if you can reattach it back to the bulb somehow, prior to taking it in for warranty repair.

[quote=sn66p;2397363 Now I'd like to do something about that loose light bulb trim on the right marker. Can anybody point me in the right direction or link to a DIY? I think the impact just knocked it loose / broke off.[/quote]

 

If you were able to get most of it out with just a little muscle you may find that a good body shop can smooth it over (blemish free) without any paint --just detail . They may even repair the light . This can't cost much .

I started looking at places in San Diego and the list is endless of folks who specialize in minor ding and bumper repair which must be resonable .

 

sounds like it's ok, but if you do still need work, i agree 100% with gomez that west coast specialties is the best place in san diego

 

Thanks again all. I'm planning on stopping by west coast specialties for a quote. I also found a mobile dent repair dude from an ad on the pca website. I'll probably give him a call too.