Accident Repairs : AMAZON 122
 

Hi All,

May I ask for recommendations for a suitable Volvo Amazon 122 accident repairs please?

Some knit wit drove (hit and run) into my parked Amazon ..on Sunday..

It's a LH drive.
Front right panel dented over wheel arch (new panel and paint likely required here), RH headlight bezel squashed, RH corner bumper out of kilter.

And the right hand side door will now not open.. as front side panel ben shoved a few mm towards the door..I think.

I can source parts for headlight damage and repair that myself.

Based in SW London.
Keen for VOC recommendations for a nearby garage, if possible.

Is my only vehicle.

Photos of damage attached.

Cheers
Yours sincerely peeved with twit drivers!

I can't recommend anyone - sorry

But it does look like there is quite a lot of filler under there for it to crack like that.

I'd expect most local repair shops would be able to rectify the trouble however.

Hi ya ,

If you can drive the car ok feel free to drive down to me and if I can help in anyway I will , also maybe possible to get the new parts painted for you to just bolt straight on if it can help you keep motoring in the mean time .

Paint code volvo 46 I’m guessing ....

The headlight ring is straight forward to screw on , the bumper corner may need bumper iron straighting to then adjust and bolt back in position .

Here is my website for more info or contact details

https://www.phoenix-classic-restorat....uk/index.html

Kind regards
Robert.W

Hi Robert,

Most grateful for your reply & advice, thank you!

I must add this is exactly why I became a member of this forum and a VOC member : tremendous like minded Volvo folks!

I've seen the panel at Brookhouse Volvo - calling Simon about that tomorrow.
Ordered the headlight bezel from Brookhouse earlier today, so all good there.

A respray, in fact a fresh paint job on the new panel would be ideal.

May I contact you separately re options, estimates etc please?

Do you think it's best to replace a damaged/dented panel for an entirely new panel ?

Generally I'm not keen on rejuvenating a dented panel ; weakened / stress metal doesn't provide maximum assurance.

Also concerned that a single freshly painted panel is going to show up against the current coat, itself in terrific knick and I had costed with Gtechniq last Autumn.

Cheers and big thanks for getting in touch - It's crushing to see her damaged, worse that it was due to some unknown knitwit.

Cheers!

Your welcome this forum is a great resource for keeping in touch with like minded volvo Enthusiasts who love their cars to help maintain them .

In regards to best course of action and what panels to use new or repair
I would basically use a rule of thumb it’s your car how long are you planning on keeping the car ? Like me I try to hang on to these cars aslong as possible and enjoy them if your car is long term and you love it I would fit new you know then it’s as perfect as it can be to then last a long time .
Repairing dented panels is when it’s a case of budget and needs must for some if they are still saving up to later fully respray then that’s not so bad to have a wing repaired and sprayed in as it’s just to get you through a year or so , if it’s only lightly dented any good Bodyshop could repair - epoxy primer - base coat ... top coat etc to make a nice job that should last a fair amount of time it’s all about the preparation when it comes to bodywork the more prep the longer it will last ( and paint material quality used ) .

Feel free to contact me I’m more than happy to chat on all things volvo especially Amazons !

Don’t worry to much your car will look better soon , it sounds like you have everything under control .

Just come up with a clear action plan of work required and a budget that works to get your car fixed and it will be ok .

Kind regards
Robert.w

Also if the doors rubbing you maybe able to losen the wing fixings and gently push the front wing forward enough to stop further damage due to fouling on the door & high corner then tighten fixings up but it’s hard at this stage to view from the images you have shared .

It may work enough to help further damage until it’s looked at , just an idea but ! Make sure you take plenty of good images incase you need to go through your insurance at least then you can show the car how it sits Atm .

Kind regards
Robert.W

There is more to it - advice from the person you've entrusted to do the job for example - but I wouldn't be in any haste what so ever to be replacing body panels with new ones.

Even "new" old-stock original parts will need a whole load of expensive extra effort to fit and finish. In my experience pattern parts are more often than not a nightmare to fit. I've seen some finishes from large pattern part suppliers that make you look at twisted rusted original remains and think "well it isn't as bad as this so called new one"!

I would like to try and encourage you to not think of dented metal as being something that is intrinsically weak or unsafe =>

Metal - in particular steel - is very resilient stuff. Simple heat treating can alieviate stress if necessary - proper decent repairs with minimal surface finish filler is the best solution to the problem (assuming the rest of the panel is in good condition)

For the record: The monocoque construction is sometimes referred to as a "stressed steel" chassis - the work hardening process of pressing steel into shapes gives the structure strength. Stress in this case is a good if not necessary and crucial thing. (A floppy chassis would not only be alarming...)

I advocate an approach of trying to preserve what already exists - if you like, you might even say: 9 times out of 10 it is a case of "better the devil you know"

Thanks to each of you who responded and provided your kind advice ; much appreciated!

Noddy and Junior at Deaconcraft & C.H Coachworks, respectively, (west london garage) ; did a terrific job and were super helpful.

Highly recommend these guys for anyone in the SW / W side of London.
Or further, of course.

Cheers again all.

BLS07