silver/storm

Just got my brand new 2000 Lightning and
got caught in a terrible hail storm. Hood
is like the surface of the moon,roof damage
and misc dimples on both doors.. I have been
sick for a week... I live in the NW Subs of
Chicago and want to make sure I fix it as
good as possible.. Any ideas on repair or
replace would be greatly appreciated. I guess my handle Silver/Storm is right on.

DY

EEeeek! Living in the midwest myself (KS) I know about the good 'ol hail storms coming through during this season. My opinion? Your best bet would be paintless dent repair on the doors and roof, unless the roof is too damaged for them to fix. Then it's probably filler time, much as I hate to say it. As far as the hood goes, now's your chance to get a fiberglass custom hood for
your silver L! I've seen some very tasteful versions. I've been drooling over a few for mine.

Dave

Draconious

now u gota find some one that was hot dogging, and blew their engine, and swap parts =) hehe.

------------------
'93 Black Lightning
'64 Red Galaxie

Jeff S

OOUUUUUUUUUUUUCH! Gawd, what a heartbreaker. Make them replace the hood, and perhaps the door skins as well. The roof will likely have to repaired so you will have to whine unmercifully to make sure it's done right.

I bought my truck from Joe Cotton Ford up your way.



------------------
Later!
Jeff S.
President, NLOC
#74 in '95 - 11.92@115.2
#?? in '00 - 13.68@99.5

silver/storm

Trace

I'm sure the estimate is written by now, but here's a little information about hail damage repair.

I've not been in the body business for years, but long enough to know that it's cheaper to buy a new hood than all the body hours to repair it. So, you can figure on a new hood, but the roof is another story. That will take some body filler to repair and the tops of the doors and fenders as well.
Some body men are very talented and can bring all the dents out so it doesn't look wavy after it's painted, but there are others that get in a hurry....
Be very selective as to where you bring the vehicle for repairs and if you're not satisfied with the workmanship quality, make your voice heard. Start with the body shop and then the insurance company. The Ins Co will put so much heat on the body shop, you'll eventually be happy. I've seen this happen SO many times. We have some customers that could get the Insurance to buy new tires as the result of hail damage. You just have to become the "squeaky wheel" and DON'T BRING IT TO WHERE I WORK!

Trace
(babbling as usual)

Draconious

Time for a sunroof =) hehe...

Super Chicken

there are some body guys (old school I mean old old school) that can use heat and water to remove dents. I know one in s. Cal. works only on MBenz at there plant. But I've seen it done so it can be. This guys also uses lead and no body filler. Talk O L D School.

------------------
1999 Red Lightning
Thunder only sound
Lightning does the WORK

Lightning Bob

Jeff S

Joe P.'s Lightning (sales at Joe Cotton Ford)
was also hit in the same storm. It was a mess. Now looks ok, fixed by DentBusters paintless process. He wishes he'd gotten a new hood however, they drilled 20 some holes in the bottom of his to get at the dents.
Is your L really still stock?

Lightning Bob


[This message has been edited by Lightning Bob (edited 06-15-2000).]