Front End Damage - what to look for???

[rocket1512]

Last night someone decided that it would be a good idea while stopped at a stoplight to put his car into reverse and back up about 4 feet and run over the front of my 73 911.

My questions

1. What additional damage should I be looking for aside from the obvious (hood and the area underneath the windshield)? The car is drivable.

2. Suggestions on opening the hood without making things worse.

3. Recommendations on repair shops that specialize in this type of work in San Francisco or the extended bay area

[mussberger]

Wow that just sucks

If everything was forced pass the limits of the suspension travel you could have a mess on your hands.

[Dublinoh]

Wow, sorry to see that... did they hit either fender? Front bumper shocks can be damaged. Good luck with the repair process.

[tonythetarga]

Sorry about that. The best thing I can suggest is to have a reputable 911 shop check the mechanicals and then have the body shop check the pan to ensure the geometry of the front end has not been damaged. The damage doesn't really look to bad but this is an old car and hidden damage could be there and not manifest until you clear your repairs. Better to get it sorted right at the start.

[CCM911]

I have seen much worse. Before getting all bummed out, just have a pro take a look. You may be pleasantly surprised. In fact, it looks like your hood took most of the hit, which could be a good thing.

[rocket1512]

The fenders seem to ok. This was only a 5 mph accident but he was slow on the brakes when the crunching started.

Any suggestions on the proper shop?

[javadog]

Wow, sorry to see that.

I'd make sure they allow you to R&R both fenders. One, it will be easier to repair the damage to the cowl that way. Two, you'll be able to fine tune the fit of the fenders to the hood. Three, you'll get to fix any rust you find in that tub to fender joint while you're there.

Have a look at the undercoating too and fix any cracks from movement of the panels.

You'll have to pull the windshield to paint the cowl properly, so make sure they figure a Porsche windshield seal, not an aftermarket one.

JR

[tonythetarga]

Since you're in CA, maybe Wayne or Dave at Tre Motorsports will be able to rx a shop they know in NorCal.

[rocket1512]

Anyone have some specific suggestions on a specialty repair shop?

[tonythetarga]

you might check with the closest Porsche dealership. They usually have a body shop and if you need replacement parts you have access to good parts and quality work.

[912 coupe]

If you are in the north bay area give Deven a call at HiTec in San Rafael 415-258-9619. He can direct you to a good body shop.

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by tonythetarga

you might check with the closest Porsche dealership. They usually have a body shop and if you need replacement parts you have access to good parts and quality work.

Porsche dealerships are 100% useless on working on an older car. (Well they are good at collecting $$$...)

A good shop needs to measure all the control points (look in the technical specs) to be certain it is square. With the age and value of the car you really are looking for someone who does restoration type work. You also want someone who won't cut a corner even if you try to demand it of them.

Recommendations from a top notch Porsche shop is the best source of info. There are a number of Porsche specialists in the bay area but being from socal the only Porsche person that I'd know to call for a referral is Jerry Woods in Campbell.

[mussberger]

This^^^^^^^

[rocket1512]

I spoke with Jerry Woods and he didn't have any recommendations for shops in my part of the greater San Francisco Bay Area (his shop is 60 miles away).

Does anyone have a suggestion for a body shop near San Francisco (within 20 miles)? Please help - car needs to go in during the middle of this week.

Thanks.

[ninelevenick]

Try S Car Go in San Rafael.