Help and opinions on unsatifactory repair to my 111r

[111rAS]

Hi all, first post so it's a shame that it's not a more cheerful one

(Insert: this is getting quite long but I'd appreciate anyone who sticks with it!)

I own a 06MY 111r that suffered a crack to the front clam (no fault of mine see the end if you are interetsed).

My insurance company recommended several approved bodyshops and one was approved by both the insurance company and the local dealership so I went with them.

The repair was due to take 2 weeks to fit a new clam, and spray up that and the doors (for paint matching aparently! I would have questioend that if I'd been paying more than my excess..).

Anyway after the two weeks, the body shop told me that there was a problem and they'd had to order some additional fittings.

So i waited and the car was finally ready 1 month after taking it in.

However when I went to collect the car i noticed:
1) that the metalic finish was splattery unter the clear coat in places
2) that the headlamps were slightly different.

I was told that the fittings they had been waiting for were actually the new headlights as "lotus had updated the clamshell design and my old ones wouldn't fit". I kind of took that on face value. But it seemed odd.

But anyway I said I wasn't happy with the finish and refused to pay until I could speak to the owner of the Bodyshop and he'd already left for the day.

In the meantime I called Lotus UK to ask about the headlamp changes. As I suspected they told me that the it was still very much possible to get the exact replacement for my clam (and in fact they even have one in stock).

It transpires that basically they just ordered the wrong one - a MY07 clam. Lotus confirmed the part number on the order form as being: H120B0010J.

Them putting the work right to my satisfaction is a given, I won't settle for anything less. But here's my dilenma:

Do i see this as a free upgrade and be happy with the new style clam. (provided they also fit the updated matching hatch covers and any other parts that are inconsistent.

or

Do I insist that they fit they correct part for my car because I don't want a car thats out of spec.

I do really like the new style lights but my concern is that with a "Franken-Lotus" resale value would be negatively affected. And also as the paint work needs to be done again anyway I'd rather it was done fresh from the start rather than oversprayed.

Previously (and asside from the damage on the front) this car was in showroom condition and only has 6000 miles on it. It's been very well cared for and carefully detailed by myself since it's been in my ownsership. With this in mind I expect it to be put back to it's orginal condition.

I suspect that many Lotus buyers would know their specs and would spot the inconsistant parts. But maybe not.


I've since also heard some other negative comments on work carried out by bodyshop so part of me doesn't even want them to ever touch my car again. But I don't think I have a choice but to let them make good. Hopefully they'll pull one out of the bag this time around if they know I'm going to be picky.


I'm sure oppinion will be divided but I'd very much appreciate any opinions / insights.


Thanks

Paul

A breif further back story..

I bought a 06MY 111r last year ex demo from the local dealership (with only 50 miles on the clock so effectively new).

After owning the car for 6 months, it was damaged while parked by someone reversing into it with a towbar. There were no witnesses and they didn't leave and details and I spent quite a few months hoping that the police could resolve it but to no avail.

So as none of this sorry saga has been in any way my fault I'm pretty cheesed off with it all! (Although i'm trying to take a relaxed "well no one died" approach )

p.s. I don't want to mention any names - certainly not before this has been resolved in any case.

p.p.s If you made it this far... Double thanks

[lotus69f2]

Sad story.

Unless the repair shop is willing to take a total loss and allow you to take your business alsewhere you will likely have no other choice than to allow them a chance at making things right. i would make it clear to them that you expect non other than stellar work from them second time around.

If it was my car I would use original spec parts. Partly to keep the car from becoming a mixed bag of parts, and partly becuase I am one who prefers to keep my cars as Lotus intended rather than modifying them silly, but I couldn't fault you for choosing the updated look if it is preferrable to you.

[TheViper]

As you bought a 111R, I presume you are outside the USA, probably in the UK. You should post on SELOC Forums
Cheers,
Michael

[RoadDad]

My $0.02 (or if TheViper is correct my £0.0166 as of today's exchange rate)

The '07 headlamps are sealed units that are much easier to change the bulbs in. Although like lotus69f2 I would much rather see an original Lotus, unless you are planning on keeping the car until it is vintage I don't see it mattering all that much. I would force the poor paint issue but personally would rather have the '07 lamps myself (disclaimer: I have an '07).

[111rAS]

Thanks for responses guys.

Yeah my gut feeling is to have it done properly with the correct parts. But it's good to get some other opinions before the decision is final.

I do like the new lights but there are a few other minor differences that that don't work perfectly with my car. For example the line where it meets the door / a frame isn't quite right now. I suspect the doors on the 07 are very slightly different to match. I'm going to speak to Lotus to get details of all the variations anyway. I think if i want the new lights that badly i should just buy an 07 instead

Yeah, I'm in the UK and I'm also going to post on seloc (but I don't see this as being a country specific question, more one of personal opinion). I just found you guys first

I had the chance to wash the car properly today and I wanted to get all the dirt and remnants of polish off. Basically so I could see the finish as clearly as possible and also to allow me to check evey inch while I was doing it. Well I found a number of other minor paint defects. But that should be a moot point if they are starting again from scratch with a new clam. Another reason to go that route maybe.

I have a feeling this is going to get worse before it's over with. I'll keep you updated.

[RoadDad]

Originally Posted by 111rAS

there are a few other minor differences that that don't work perfectly with my car. For example the line where it meets the door / a frame isn't quite right now. I suspect the doors on the 07 are very slightly different to match.

I bet that is just a shim issue and not a door issue. There are positioning shims that may need to be adjusted to make that front clam line up better.

[the1sen]

I don't think it will get worse before it's finished.

It's really very simple. The car goes back to the shop. TAKE A MILEAGE READING OFF THE ODOMETER. Ask them to please get a proper clam for your model year as well as proper headlights. Ask them to please paint the car to Lotus spec and without being in a drunken stupor before hand. Ask them to please contact you when it is all done. You wait a couple of weeks. You go pick up your car and call it a day.

If they refuse, then it may be time to contact your insurance company. It's nothing personal after all.