Fettling your car

[Woody]

Chaps,

Not really in any desperate need, but am thinking of getting a couple of things sorted on the GS. I've picked up a couple of small dents (not broken the paint, just minor dings). I only really notice them when the car is spottless but now I've seen them, the catch my eye.

So.....PDR - paintless dent removal. Anyone got any recomendations? I don't want to get ripped off 'cos its a Maserati. There's one on the bonnet, one on the front wing, and one on the rear quarter.....so would also rather not do a "£50/panel" thing as they really are minor.

Also, while I'm at it, I thought I'd see if I could get the leather looked at. I clean it with leather cleaner/treatment and, in all honesty, its wearing well. What I'm thinking about it more preventative, maybe getting the colour topped up or something.

Both items are really minor and don't eeally need doing, but as it's on my mind, I thought I'd see what you guys do to keep on top of these kinds of things.

Cheers
Woody

 

[nigw]

Best plan is probably to find out who the trade use in your local area - I've used PDR guys in the past and it's quite a skill....and they're a bit variable in terms of quality. Most places quote a 'per panel' price, but would probably quote you differently on the basis you've only got one ding per panel! They also need to be able to get to the back of the ding, so it depends whether the one on the bonnet is behind a structural section/brace or not.

On the leather front, you can get stuff from Liquid Leather (see their website) which is colour-matched, if you've cracks or scuffs. Meant to be good stuff...bought some for my Audi but haven't got round to trying it yet!

 

[Maser Sod]

I spotted one or two very tiny dents on my GranSport before buying from Autofficina, it came back pristine after they had their guy work on it. It was FOC as I was buying the car, so don't know what the cost would be. But for this kind of thing and paint jobs, I would always pay top dollar since a bad job is really going to be upsetting.

 

[halbe01]

I had my leather refurbed and rather than pick someone from the yellow pages I asked the local specialist (Autofficina in this case) who they use. Chap they recommended an excellent job basically painting the two front seats with the right colour of special paint. I'll look out his number if you're interested - he's a mobile chap. Can't remember the exact cost but £150 or so I think for two front seats. They look pretty much brand new now.

 

[Woody]

Thaks Chaps.

Ben, I'd be interested to know the details.....thanks.

 

[dem maser]

Ask emblem who they use....emblem did my dents and a brilliant job....cheap also....paid £40 to remove a big dent at the front where a 4x4 must have hot it with the spare tyre on the door....never admitted it but i know it was my neighbour....anyway all great now

 

[halbe01]

Found the card - the chap who did my leather was Mark Slade, of Benchmark Leather Renovation. He's on 07720 287944 or www.benchmarkleather.co.uk. However I have had a closer look at my seats today and the leather seems to be starting to crack and discolour a little so I should give him a ring and see what that's all about. It's only been 6 months and 2000 miles or so. Still he was a nice chap who seemed to know his stuff.
Cheers,
Ben.