That’s some door ding

This PT Cruiser is in the shop for repair after being backed into in a parking lot. As you can see, it is a bit worse for wear. The pictures show the car as it arrived. The door caved in like that … it’s not a good look for this car.

Monday we will get this car torn down to check for hidden damage, then after the parts arrive, we can get started putting it right. I find a lot more satisfaction in painting one and putting it together than I do taking it apart.

Holy cow! I feel like Yogi Berra. Having two cars arrive at the same time for same repair caused by the same type of accident … it’s like déjà vu all over again.

That’s some door ding

This Nissan is in the shop for repair after being backed into in a parking lot. As you can see, it is a bit worse for wear. The first two pictures show the car as it arrived. The door caved in like that … it’s not a good look for this car.

The second two photos show the car as we begin to pull off the bent and broken pieces. I always like to get a car torn down as soon as possible to check for hidden damage so that when I order replacement parts I make sure I get everything I need the first time. There is nothing worse than having the car almost back together, only to find you are missing a $2.00 clip. Ask me how I know this.

Next week the parts will be here and we can get started putting this car right, which I find a lot more satisfying than taking it apart.

You would never nose it was damaged

After having the front bumper replaced, this Rogue looks as good as new.

Nothing like getting a new shnoz after having yours broken to make you feel better about the world.

Such small changes … such big differences

The magicians of metal over at Murphy Rod & Custom have been busy working on Terry’s El Camino. It is funny to watch as what started out as a relative low budge refresh is morphing into a first class show car build. I, and I suspect Murphy Rod & Custom as well, like customers like Terry.

The first picture shows some work being done on the firewall. Air conditioning is being added to the car so the big, ugly heater box has been removed to clean up the firewall. This is possible because the aftermarket air conditioner provides not only cooling, but heating as well.

The last two pictures show one of these “show car” touches that I was talking about. I saw Terry at the car show last weekend and I pointed out an El Camino there that had shaved drip rails. Drip rails are a bit of upturned metal around the doors that prevents rain from running off the roof and into the car when the door opens. Manufactures stopped putting drip rails on cars years ago but most older cars have them. Terry liked the look so well that he decided to shave the drip rails on his car. It’s just another small change to the car, but all these little changes make a big difference in the look.

I found out when working with Terry on his Austin-Healey that he really sweats the details. I think that mindset is going to pay off big on this car.