Caqravan "Ding" repairs

[Denise Arundel]

Hi I have over the past 3 wks whilst I was away got 2 "Dings" in the offside of my Sterling Eccles Quartz Caravan. My porch awning took off over the top of the caravan with 2 poles in a gust of wind as it was being put up. The Fibre poles put the 2 "Dings" in the offside of the caravan.
My question to anyone out there is. Has anyone ever had them "pulled out" buy a repair centre as I have not heard of this before,
A repair centre has been recommended to me by the dealers I bought the van from. and they have said they may be able to "pull" them out but I am afraid it will damage the aluminium. The have also quoted £400 + VAT for both of them to be filled in and resprayed over matching in the paint. I think this price is a bit outrageous to say the least. I have also contact 2 other repair centres, 1 of which is advertised in the Caravan club magazine but all either of them have said is someone will get back to me about a quote. I have sent emails with photos of the damage. I sent the photos early last week but.no one has come back to me to give me a quote. I am wondering why. Is it too difficult to repair just what is the problem. Needless to say this is why I am coming out there to anyone who can give me any advice. If you have had any "dings" pulled out please can you let me know what the outcome was and if you are happy about the repair.
I live nr Beverley in East Yorkshire so if there is anyone out there that can help I would be very grateful.

thanks Dave

 

[otherclive]

You don't say which companies you have contacted but a neighbour used Caravan Medic to repair a nasty sidewall gouge. The repair was good and from memory £300-400 some four years ago.

 

[RogerL]

If the aluminium surface is smooth, not ridged or dimpled, it is possible to have the dent pulled out by vacuum - but - the dent will have stretched the aluminium and aluminium is notorious for staying stretched, unlike steel panels on cars which often "spring back" with similar treatment.

But if they're going to respray anyway, then simply filling and spraying is likely to be much better.

Frankly, I never bother repairing dings like that - you'll get more over time anyway !

 

[DeliDave_]

If the aluminium surface is smooth, not ridged or dimpled, it is possible to have the dent pulled out by vacuum - but - the dent will have stretched the aluminium and aluminium is notorious for staying stretched, unlike steel panels on cars which often "spring back" with similar treatment.

But if they're going to respray anyway, then simply filling and spraying is likely to be much better.

Frankly, I never bother repairing dings like that - you'll get more over time anyway !

Spot on,the aluminium is so thin,we have got a dent from the zip hitting the side from pulling the awning through.Put the money to an extra break and forget about the dents

 

[Denise Arundel]

Hi
Thanks for your comments I was rather worried myself regarding having the dings pulled out, so will deffinately not go down this road.
The company I was advised to go to is initailly a Motor Garage (Citeron dealer) but they have apparently gone into doing Caravan repairs as well as spraying cars.
I am speaking to a guy who does small mobile repairs so will see what he comes up with. As the caravan is only 8 months old I would like these dings doing as I am likely to keep it a bit longer that I have my last caravans which I have only kept for 3 years.
Thanks again for your advice
Dave

 

[Denise Arundel]

HI
Just to let you know I am sending photos to a guy who will come out and do them mobile so fingers crossed this will be a good job and not too expensive!!!
thanks again
Dave

 

[Denise Arundel]

Hi

I have just sent photos and my details to the Caravan Medic in my area so lets see what they say. Didn't know about them before so will keep them for any future repairs.
Thanks for your help much appreciated.
Dave