i was in a tornado in raleigh 4-16-2011 and my car got messed up pretty good. there's a ford collision center down the street but to get a gm certified collision place ill have to go further away. what do you guys think, does it matter which place i get it fixed? they will have to cut the roof off and replace it, sounds crazy

09 LS 25k half panel

 

Most times it doesn't really matter what shop fixes collision-type damage. But in this case, I think I would go with the GM certified collision shop. Roof's got to be replaced, and better if there arn't any shortcuts taken.

Either the GM shop or one that is skilled in doing big jobs. (i.e. DON'T take it to a small 'mom & pop shop')

 

So sorry to hear about the damage you took in the storms, glad you're OK though. I'd take it to the GM collision center if it were me, they will be better able to deal with it and will have the experience in dealing with HHR body repairs. Honestly I'm surprised your insurance carried didn't declare it a total loss, but roofs can be replaced, and when properly done it will be as safe as it was when new.

 

See and being in that industry for 10 years in my past. There is NO way I would take it to a dealer. NOT in a million years. Those guys don't give a ****, they are there for a job, they aren't "invested" into the quality.

I would find a GOOD privately owned collision shop with a good reputation.

My $0.02

 

Bummer about getting hit.. Good no one was hurt..

I agree with Gas Man, a GOOD privately owned collision shop with a good reputation...

 

go with a family shop with a good rep ,also time for a sunroof skin ,,, check it out this is the time ,, find the right shop and they should work with you, good luck

 

Oh and yes, sorry about the hit and also glad nobody was hurt. Sorry I didn't mention it.

And I agree... go sunroof top now. Perfect and rare time to do a factory upgrade. And make sure it's a factory sunroof.

 

I'm still surprised its not a write off, and I'm not sure the underwriters would authorize replacing the roof with anything but the original style.

 

Oh I agree with that as well. Depending on age, miles, and cost it may be a write off. Lots of nice parts there if it is.

And you would be surprised on parts. Most insurance companies will tell the shop to use aftermarket replacements (never work as well as MOCO parts) or junk yard parts (sometimes ok).

That brings up another problem. Those shops (most of the time dealerships) that are "approved" shops. Insurance company tries to advertise it to you as a perk (no adjuster) however, it's bad, because they will do as insurance company says with no objection. This ensures they get the ins jobs. However it's not for your benefit. A good shop will work for you not the ins company.

 

Truthfully Gas Man, if that were one of my HHR's I would retire it regardless of the insurance company's decision. I know its possible to repair something like that damage and have it be perfectly fine, but just knowing how badly hurt it was would keep me from feeling confident in it ever again. I'm not saying this to rattle Jace's confidence in the repaired vehicle, its just a personal belief, backed up by experience, that repaired vehicles are just never "right" again.