What a pleasant surprise...

[evilally]

Yep, I'm fed up with the complete lack of respect people have for other people's property. It seems completely acceptable practise to swing your door open and hit whatever is next to you

I also recently suffered the same, I was parked outside my own house, and someone has reversed into the back of my car and left a huge dent in the bootlid. Such is the damage that it would have been impossible not to notice, but yet they've decided just to drive away. This is one of the reasons I bought a scruffy 405, I was fed getting lumps knocked out my nice new Clio.

[addo]

I sort of disagree; it's a lack of respect for other people, that engenders lack of respect for their property.

At least the repairs may be effected with the vehicle in use; that bumper shell and trim can be replaced in one session of about two hours' duration (including a darned good clean of the area).

Maybe see if XantiaMan could paint (in 2K) and post a bumper shell to you? You could cut a 2×2 section off the existing one as a colour sample.

[citroenesque]

It seems completely acceptable practise to swing your door open and hit whatever is next to you

In just six months my XM has picked up four separate 'dings' in supermarket or otherwise carparks. Methinks buying a battered Landy might be the way forward.

[Citroenmad]

I hate that, people just dont seem to care.

I always make sure i park where the car is likely to get damaged the least, but still i find new dinks. Though Ive been quite lucky in that ive never had any serious damage caused.

Still, atleast the driver in this case has owned up to the damage and is willing to pay for it. Your best of finding your own place for the repairs ... there are some very poor bodyshops around, many of which dont seem to be able to colour match.

[KennyW]

Mike,

FYI, the RTA is clear on this subject:

If a motor vehicle strikes and damages another vehicle or other property and the onwer/user is NOT present the driver of the vehicle is required by law to report it to the Police.

Once it is reported the other owner is contacted and given all the necessary details it is up to him if he wishes to report it to his/her insurance.

All it is is laziness and ignorance which if it went to court would result in a fine and the displeasure of the sheriff.

Kenny

[MikeT]

Thanks for all your inputs on this one, chaps.

I've visited a few bodyshops and it's not as bad as I first thought (the bumper had "popped out" making me think some mounts had been bent but a quick and forceful shove by the bodyshop and it popped right back.

I'm looking at £35.90 for a new trim (that'll make the rest look really bad!) and am thinking of filling and spraying the bumper quarter myself otherwise it's about £120+vat plus paint and sundries to have it done in a shop.

What do you all think of that? Would DIY be a good education for me or is it likely to get messy and I'll be wasting my time/money?

[Gingerposer]

Get a quote for a professional to do it, then get the culprit to cough the readies. Then do it yourself and have some cash left over.

[Toby_HDi]

Mike,

Would you like me to look for a bumper at Trents tomorrow? I may go over considering I need to get a mirror for the Activa. Could look for those wheeltrims too....

[MikeT]

I went on service.citroen to get my paint colour but I can't find it listed among the "Characteristics" section, not even a code (though I know that's stamped on the bulkhead). A brief glance at Halfrauds offerings and all they had was Citroen Red or Citroen (Wicked?) Metallic Red. Sounds like a perfect match, eh?

Get a quote for a professional to do it, then get the culprit to cough the readies. Then do it yourself and have some cash left over.

I think he'd notice me working outside his front door but I'll take that as a yes to my question.

Mike,

Would you like me to look for a bumper at Trents tomorrow? I may go over considering I need to get a mirror for the Activa. Could look for those wheeltrims too....

That's very kind of you to offer, Toby. I'm still undecided what route to take at the moment, so perhaps just the wheeltrim please?

The bumper is otherwise in good condition, just got the usual corner scrapes plus the new gouge recently added. Having already removed the bumper before, I'd like to avoid pulling it again if I can help it though I get the feeling it's best removed and completely resprayed. Hmm, decisions, decisions.

[MikeT]

I've got the paint colour code now. Going to be funny asking for Red of hell

Is that what Halfrauds refer to as Wicked Red?

[Citroenmad]

I thought the driver of the offending truck was going to pay for the damage?

Id be putting it into a bodyshop and getting him to foot the bill. You shouldn't have to try and repair it yourself

[MikeT]

Yes, he is going to pay but I'd like to learn how to effect body repairs and this is a good opportunity to learn IMO.

Having said, finding the paint at a reasonable price is proving difficult so it might go in a shop after all.

[myglaren]

Have a look for "Paint Shop Supplies".
They don't appear to have a website, may be some kind of franchise, there are three near me, one in Sunderland, one in South Shields and one in Team Valley.
They are excellent at matching colours and being able to supply the appropriate material for the job in hand. Generally they are very friendly and happy to give advice, as long as the shop isn't heaving with customers.
Technically they are trade only but won't treat Joe Public as pariahs, just try and catch them when they are quiet.

[MikeT]

Thanks Steve but I've booked it into a bodyshop now.

I collected the new trim today, let's hope I can keep it undamaged until the bumpers done. Not only did I get it at last weeks prices, they also gave me a couple quid off for being an FCF member

[addo]

Doesn't that get them a mention by name, en passant?