Strange question, I know!

 

My Superb is going into Skoda for a new rear door after a lorry decided it wanted to be in my lane and wasn't bothered I was already in it.

 

The car is filthy (partly because I knew it would be going in for paint at some point so haven't washed it).

 

I've used this bodyshop before with my previous vRS, when I picked up the car it was immaculate, I reckon it was actually cleaner than when I bought it.

 

Should I wash the Superb before taking it in or will they do it? I've been told the paint will need blending down the full side of the car.

 

I know they'll wash it first but should I make sure it's really clean? Will it help make the job easier for them?

 

 

Personally I would wash it, yes they should do it but I have seen cars that have only had the repaired side washed before now, how are you supposed to check the colour match if it’s not clean?

 

It also shows that you care about your car, if you don’t care enough to clean it then why should they care about it?

As above, give it a wash, but don't use anything on it that is likely to contain silicones or anything else that's going to affect how the paint goes on.

If it was me, I would probably flat it back hard with some 1200 grit wet & dry.  They are ultimately going to be doing this to a point anyway I think.

Personally I would wash it, yes they should do it but I have seen cars that have only had the repaired side washed before now, how are you supposed to check the colour match if it’s not clean?

 

It also shows that you care about your car, if you don’t care enough to clean it then why should they care about it?

 

+1

Thanks guys, it'll get a bath before it goes then!

 

The problem I have is I find it impossible to give any car a quick wash, hence it's always at least a two hour effort.

 

The fact the Superb is huge doesn't help, but then that's my fault. The lads at work keep asking me how the tide was on the way in to work and if I've remembered to 'drop anchor' in the car park. The battleship grey paint finishes off the jokes well!

I'd just wash it with fairy liquid, nothing that could contain a wax or anything.

I'd just wash it with fairy liquid, nothing that could contain a wax or anything.

+1 take it clean, but personally I would remove any wax/polish off the car first, as it plays havoc on the painting process.

 Also take photos of the car before painting, so any colour discrepancies can be argued about afterwards. if it has gone to a reputable bodyshop. the age of the car/paint should be taken into consideration, and the exact paint match should be attainable.

I've just been through a whole world of administrative pain to get the car to a repairer of my choice so if previous experience is anything to go by it'll be a top job.

 

I haven't praised any of the DM Keith Skoda retailers over the years due to pretty poor service, however the bodyshop at DM Keith in Leeds very much bucks the trend.

 

Admiral said I can take the car to any bodyshop I choose as long as I get a second quote for comparison. That second quote came in at £1,300, compared with £1,600 for DM Keith.

 

After some to-ing and fro-ing DM Keith reduced their quote to match that of JCT 600 Volkswagen in York and I got approval to book it in this afternoon, phew!

 

Looking forward to the Roomster courtesy car

Edited 27 October, 201312 yr by silver1011

When mine got repaired for a similar incident I washed the car in and out to hopefully give some indication that the owner cared about the motor. Didn't work.

 

Proper body shop sorted it all out later and I've stuck with them for odds and sods and they've always done good work. A good bodyshop is like a good mechanic, a something to be prized once discovered.

Edited 28 October, 201312 yr by Aspman