Side panel damage

[Flashdog]

Hello, a tree fell onto my talbot express today and I just wanted some advice if possible if the damage can be repaired or if it’s a write off

 

[Speve]

A clear picture of the whole van will give a better idea of the damage as your pictures although clear don’t give much info on overall state of the van

 

[Flashdog]

Is this ok?

 

[Spriddler]

I've been restoring classic vehicles for 40 years and I'd guess that a m/h of that age would be written off as the parts probably won't be available and the high labour hourly rate from a mainstream/professional repairer will be a very large element of the repair cost (if one would take it on).
If the ins co write it off it doesn't mean that you'll lose it as it can be a very economical move to keep it and take a reduced pay-out, then have it fixed up by an artisan type repairer who will 'make it good' enough to use. At 78 I no longer restore bodywork but have a pal who has a couple of units on a farm who is a really good body repairer and whose costs/overheads are low. The place is a shambles but several classic car owners depend upon him to do a great job.

 

[Flashdog]

Thank u for the advice, could u give me your pals number at all please? X

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[Spriddler]

Thank u for the advice, could u give me your pals number at all please? X

Ah, apologies; it has just ocurred to me that your m/h is too high to go into his unit.
The damage is cosmetic rather than structural so if it was mine and I really wanted to keep it I'd make temporary 'tidying up' repairs.
Quite honestly, (and no offence to you as my my m/h is only 3 years younger than yours) I'd disguise the upper rip which is in the corrugated/fluted panel by fitting a dummy ventilation grille over it. Many sizes and shapes are available at caravan accessory shops or on eBay .
As for the lower one which seems to be all still there I'd fit (epoxy) a panel behind it and epoxy the torn bits back to it, filling the cracks with some f/glass filler, sanding down and blowing it over with a Halfords rattle gun. The colour looks to be the same as on mine, Arctic White. It might be possible to get a matching length of fluted panel from a caravan/motorhome breaker to cut and fit over it.
However, without being able to see it in the flesh the above is just to give you some guidance of the possibilities and it would be advisable to take steps to prevent roadwater splash/spray from getting into the insulation.
I would hesitate to put it through insurance as your excess and the effect on premium renewal (for the m/h and any other of your vehicles) may be more costly than getting it done yourself.

This is the type of grille, less than a tenner on eBay........

CARAVAN MOTORHOME RECESSED PLASTIC FRIDGE VENT GRILL WHITE 375mm x 150mm | eBay

MPK recessed Fridge Vent. White plastic. Winter cover available to buy seperate.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Flashdog]

Thank u so much for your advice, really appreciate you taking the time for us. My partner is a mechanic and he thinks he’ll be able to do this. Thanks x

 

[Figaro]

Definately keep out of the hands of insurance company.
The damage does look superficial so just do as suggested, a cosmetic repair and the grill is a great idea.
Given the age of the van it doesn't need to be pristine, just safe and functional.
Cheapish repair, thank you lucky stars it wasn't much worse and enjoy your motorhome

Oh and

 

[Flashdog]

Thank u so much really appreciate it x

 

[mitzimad]

the insurance will almost certainly want to write it off your best bet is to ask for an amountthat you feel will cover the repair as a payment without getting a classification as that will devalue it my sil had repair refused on his bmw as they said they couldnt match the faded paint and offered him 500 pounds and no details added to the data base there fore not written off or cat s
regarding the repai i would with that age of van just get a patch of sheet ally glued over the damage and spayed white

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[TheBig1]

100% that is a write off based on age and value. It really is no benefit to you to withhold from the insurers, you have to tell them anyway. You will be paid out the value of the van and can ask to buy it back at scrap value. Then get it repaired quickly and cheaply by anybody half decent with woodworking diy skills. Should leave plenty of money to offset the fact the insurance will go up because of the write off. Fail to declare and the insurance find out, the policy is void immediately. Even if you just ring to ask

Now ask me how I know?

 

[Cush]

Was it caused by that branch that had been cut down and left on the highway. Any liability or good will payment from the tree felling company? Just a thought.