Rear End Damage - what are my options?

[Barclaybasher]

You probably should ask Jim to remove pic with registration number.......

 

[Gromett]

Personally I think its a write off

If it was mine, I would be repairing it. It would only be a write off if it was an insurance job I suspect.

 

[grasscutter]

Chances are the damp is part of the Swift build in that timeframe where they used a laminated plywood that wasn’t sealed properly around the side skirts. Once the damp got in it couldn’t dry out due to the lamination. It is very well documented on many websites. Swift for a number of years repaired them as a goodwill gesture.
Certainly worth a call to Spitfire Garage.
They repaired a totally smashed rear skirt and light clusters for me a number of years ago. Back then it was just under £1K so be prepared. Really feel for you.

 

[TheMobileWanderer]

Hi all. New to the community and here because I need help.

Was a very silly boy and didn't notice the wall & bollard I'd just driven past when I decided to reverse (Totnes last weekend).

So our beautiful home from home for the last 18 months now has significant damage to the rear passenger side. Photos below.

Also worth saying that both rear corners there is some historical damp to the floor (goes about 100mm in) that also wants taking care of at the same time. The damp is minor on drivers rear corner but extends all the way to just beyond the rear door on the passenger side (only goes 100mm in though so not extensive). Was going rip out damp, put some extra board on floor and fill with expanding foam on advise from someone knowledgeable.

SO looking for advice on options and how one would go about repairing? I'm very enthusiastic and can make time to do work myself but would need to learn some skills I expect. I'm not much of a DIYer in general but very good at picking things up. Possibly have a couple of friends with pro carpentry skills that could help.

Not ruling out professional repair but unlikely we can afford that option. Not sure how easy to find someone.

Also not sure about insurance either. Potential write off for them? 2004 70,000 miles. Very good condition with only the small amount of damp at the back to deal with (previous owners had damp sorted a few years ago by pros.



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Here's my thoughts.
1. I wouldn't involve the insurance company. Reasoning; the decision regarding repair or not, would be out of your hands. They may consider it an economic right off and whilst you may be able to buy it back and fix it with professionals, you may pay more through increased premiums.

2. I would look through the damage. Ignore the broken bits (as if you've removed them), and see what really needs to be done.

3. With only those photographs and your mention of removing the kitchen, I would agree with its removal. I would look for a replacement rear panel either from a Sundance or one that would fit, to cover the whole rear. I'd look for a replacement bumper and clusters either for Sundance or from another model, that would fit.

4. Inside, I would repair the floor and frame as necessary before fitting the newly acquired panel and bumper.

My brother has just done similar with his '94 talbot-fronted ducato. (Actually, the rear 1/3 of the frame was rotten and replaced which involved the midway kitchen being replaced too). He was able to avoid replacing the rear panel though.

I've struck up a conversation with apprentices before and they've done stuff better than I could've, as a homer. Less cost to me and extra income for them.

Hth

 

[pandas]

Take it on the chin, claim on insurance and then you don’t have the hassle. If it’s repairable you get it done professionally if not you get what it was worth before the damage.

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[Brains]

Given your location, I'd suggest at least a phone call with Ashley Webber at Supertramped.
https://www.supertramped.co/

He does full conversions, he has a proper workshop and certainly the ability to fix your van.
Weather he has the time and inclination to do a repair within your budget is a different question!

 

[Scott L]

You probably should ask Jim to remove pic with registration number.......

Yes please. Who is Jim and how do i contact him?

 

[Diabalo]

Yes please. Who is Jim and how do i contact him?

Jim The boss

 

[Barclaybasher]

Yes please. Who is Jim and how do i contact him?

Start a conversation ( envelope symbol at top)
Edited just enter Jim in recipients

 

[Figaro]

You probably should ask Jim to remove pic with registration number.......

Why ?

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[Barclaybasher]

Why ?

Discussion on here whether or not to claim on insurance for one....

 

[Jim]

Not that I'd have worried about it, but I've blurred the number plates as asked.

 

[pandas]

Take it on the chin, claim on insurance and then you don’t have the hassle. If it’s repairable you get it done professionally if not you get what it was worth before the damage.

Oh maybe it's only insured 3rd party - didn't think of that!