I parked and came back to this dent! Someone must have backed into my Model S. Any advice on what I can do to get this fixed!? :-(
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Damn looks like something big hit it and not a small car because that is pretty high up there. I think this will be an expensive repair compared to a paintless dent removal. You'll probably have to get it repainted.
I feel the pain because something like that happened to me too and I'm just waiting for some time for me to drop the car off at a shop. My rear bumper repair alone will cost 2k. Maybe because mine is wrapped too!?
I feel the pain because something like that happened to me too and I'm just waiting for some time for me to drop the car off at a shop. My rear bumper repair alone will cost 2k. Maybe because mine is wrapped too!?
kevincwelch
Active Member
Many I feel so badly for you. I would be heartbroken to walk out to that. Could a paint less dent repair help that at all?
Thanks guys. Yeah I'm pretty bummed about it. I had a 2 day detailing session planned for next week and now this throws a wrench in that plan.
I wish a clever dent fixer could pound it out because the paint isn't scratched - but I don't think that's possible because it's aluminum.
I wish a clever dent fixer could pound it out because the paint isn't scratched - but I don't think that's possible because it's aluminum.
Canuck
Well-Known Member
I would consider Tesla authorized repair facilities. Many of these already had aluminum repair experience prior to being involved with Tesla. However, anyone certified for Porsche, Audi, BMW or Mercedes aluminum repair should have the skill to fix your damage properly. We have repaired three Teslas so far here in Wisconsin and aluminum is very different than steel and requires a deft touch.
Scott Marshall
Marshall Auto Body
artsci
Sponsor
I wouldn't rule out paintless dent repair. I'd at least have a PDR shop take a look at it.
A dash cam with a rear camera would have taken a video of the incident and identified the culprit. That's precisely why I have this. The rear camera and front cameras are always on when I'm parked. The Inavi FXD900 rocks: HD images, sound, everything.
roblab
Active Member
I ran into a rail end on into the top of my bumper and bottom of the hatch. I took it to a competent body shop in Oakland, CA. They repaired the bumper (had a hole in it) and unbent the hatch edge so you can't see it unless looking along the INside along the edge. In other words, you can't see it. Then repaint bumper and lower hatch. Cost about $1500.
I am way glad I got it fixed. On a car that is looked at, drooled over, coveted, fondled, shown at EV events, I could not "leave it" even if someone else did it. The repair shop was telling me that a dent is like seed.
What I am saying is, get it fixed at any body shop competent with aluminum. The pride of looking at such a gorgeous car, not having to ignore or wince every time you see it or show it, is well worth it.
And shop around. You will find a wide range of prices, and they are hard to justify.
I am way glad I got it fixed. On a car that is looked at, drooled over, coveted, fondled, shown at EV events, I could not "leave it" even if someone else did it. The repair shop was telling me that a dent is like seed.
What I am saying is, get it fixed at any body shop competent with aluminum. The pride of looking at such a gorgeous car, not having to ignore or wince every time you see it or show it, is well worth it.
And shop around. You will find a wide range of prices, and they are hard to justify.
JPP
Active Member
I am ready to install a Blackvue 550 dual HD camera system (just received it yesterday) for just this reason. Full iPhone access, event recording, g-force sensors 3-axes, GPS.
DrComputer
TeslaClubLA President
Since you're in LA they will send it to Avio Coach Craft. They've been working on Tesla's for years (the Roadster and now the Model S). They do great work, although they are not cheap and a bit slow. Just coordinate it with the LA service center and they will take care of getting it to Avio for you.
I stopped by Tesla on Santa Monica Blvd, and yes they referred me to Avio. I also had a mobile dent guy come by who couldn't fix it. I sent the pictures to this place and they think they can fix it: Los Angeles Paintless Dent Removal | Auto Body Shop Repair | LA Bumper Scratch Repair | SOS Dent.
Headed there tomorrow morning. If they can't, I'll probably head to Avio or another place that can handle aluminum. Ideally I don't have to replace the entire trunk.
Headed there tomorrow morning. If they can't, I'll probably head to Avio or another place that can handle aluminum. Ideally I don't have to replace the entire trunk.
William13
Active Member
I agree that the car should be fixed. If the paint less dent repair shop hesitates, ask about fixing the dent and covering with the spoiler as suggested above.
MoeMistry
Former Vendor
Since it's on a crease, area where the sheet metal is curved or bends, it makes the job tougher. But, a good PDR guy that knows how to work with aluminum should be your first place to go. Just make sure they don't crease the paint underneath. I've seen some dent guys do miracles on pulling the dent out, but they might leave sharp marks from behind the paint...and it shows up under the clear. If that doesn't do it, the proper thing is bodywork and re-shooting the entire trunk. Don't have a blend done...it'll never look right.
