Nylunds Collision

Trunk & Rear Bumper Repair on Lexus ES330

Nylund's Collision — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:44:43 +0000

After being rear ended by another vehicle, the owner of this Silver Lexus ES330 needed substantial repairs to the trunk and rear bumper and was referred to us by a local Lexus dealership. We are truly proud of what we do here and always happy to offer a tour of the shop. He gladly accepted the invitation and toured our facility as we explained our repair process to him, after which the customer was greatly at ease and completely confident the repair process was in good hands. We were happy to welcome him as a new Nylund’s Collision Center client!

We disassembled the car to assess all damage and prepare an estimate for the insurance company. The trunk lid, trunk floor, bumper, right and left quarter panel and the unibody frame extension were all badly damaged in the accident. Once the repairs were approved by the insurance company, we ordered all the original equipment Lexus parts. Next stop was the frame machine where we used our computerized Car-O-Liner 3D measuring system to evaluate the severity of the damage. With this equipment we can make corrective pulls to return the outer body panels and unibody back to the original factory specifications. After all the necessary unibody frame pulls were completed, it was time to cut the old/damaged panels off the car. In this case we removed the entire Trunk floor, right unibody frame rail, and right quarter panel.

Next we started welding the new pieces in place.

When the parts arrived, the new unibody components, trunk floor, frame extension and right quarter panel were welded onto the vehicle and the left quarter panel repaired. Next it was on to sanding, priming and a two-part sealer before the car went into the down draft paint booth for baked on 2-stage base coat/clear coat metallic painting. Finally, the car was reassembled, color sanded and polished, given a four wheel alignment, put through our quality control measures, given a full detail and returned to the customer.

If you ever find yourself with any collision repairs needed, whether it is for Lexus, BMW, Mercedes or other luxury automobiles we would be honored if you would consider Nylund’s for your auto body repair services! Click on this link if you would like to read more about a tour of facility from a customer’s point of view.

Collision Repairs While You Wait?

Nylund's Collision — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:17:00 +0000

Many times, minor collision repair can be done while you wait. Take for instance one of our Mercedes Benz owners was hit in the rear. He sustained minor damage to the rear bumper. However it was bad enough the bumper needed to be replaced. On the first visit, we assessed the damage, took some photos and gathered the insurance company information. Then we took a small piece off the car so we could match the paint exactly without the vehicle being here. The customer was on their way. After settling all the details with the insurance company, we ordered the parts. When they arrived a few days later, we then made sure they were correct based on the photos we had and into the paint shop they went. We already had a painted piece off the car, so we matched the color and pre-painted the bumper. During this time we called the customer and made arrangements for them to stop by the shop the next day. They came in, brought their lap top, and waited while we had 3 technicians (pit stop style) remove the old bumper, build and install the new one. An hour later they were on their way. No rental, no rides, no need to be without the car. Just done!

Are We A Part of Your Insurance Company’s Preferred Body Shop Program? (DRP – Direct Repair Program)

Nylund's Collision — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 03:38:00 +0000

The answer is no. And here is why…. We deal with all Insurance Companies. The difference between being on their list of preferred shops (this is called DRP – Direct Repair Program) or not is simple. It’s about relationships. I prefer to have the relationship with our guest, not the Insurance Company. The rules quickly shift to saving the Insurance Company money when the relationship is centered around them. While every insurance company is different, often times a preferred auto body shop must first search for used parts, Aftermarket parts (non-original), and Reconditioned parts before being allowed to put Factory parts back on your car. Don’t get me wrong, they try to do the same to us. The difference being we can engage them with reasons to do the repair correctly without jeopardizing the relationship. You are the one we want to please, not the Insurance Company. In my world, both the Insurance Company and Nylund’s have a responsibility when your car gets damaged. Ours is to put your car back to the way it was before the accident. The Insurance Company’s is to fund the process. In many cases the Insurance Company, in my opinion, crosses the line and tries to dictate HOW the car is going to be repaired as well. That is our job, not theirs. But this is what often times happens when a car is taken to one of the DRP – Direct Repair Program “Preferred’ Shops. An example of this would be an Insurance Company insisting on repairing a panel that we feel should be replaced. We will always demand the car get the best repair for our customer. This is something that is difficult for a Preferred Shop because it could put their relationship in jeopardy with the referring Insurance Company. The reason auto body shops do whatever they can to get on an Insurance Company’s DRP – Direct Repair Program is simple. They want to generate more business. It’s like a partnership. The Insurance Company recommends their preferred DRP shops and in return the shops adhere to the Insurance Company’s program requirements. It’s a win, win for both parties. But, what is the effect on the customer? And where does the customer fit into this win, win partnership? At Nylund’s, our agreement is with you, our guest. To deliver the very best, long lasting, stress free auto body repair to every guest, every time. We will work out the details with the Insurance Company on your behalf to accomplish this. So we are not on any Insurance Company Direct Repair Program because we feel it’s what is best for you, our guest. Always At Your Service, Rob Grieve Proud Owner, Nylund’s Collision Center