Hey,
Firstly, let me introduce myself. I recently purchased, as my first car, a 1977 leyland panel van and have loved every minute that I've driven it.
Its a red/maroon colour with flames on the bonnet that change colour in the sunlight, depending on the angle you view it from. I was made aware of this site by the previous owner and have been browsing for the past number of weeks. I was hoping to introduce myself on better terms than what has currently befallen me.
Today I was driving on my way to uni, travelling in the right hand lane down Bulleen Rd in Melbourne. The left hand lane was banked up for a few hundred metres and traffic was crawling in that lane as most of the cars were intending to turn left onto the freeway. I was just about to come up to the top of the freeway overpass when, out of nowhere, a hilux ute cut across me from the Marcellin college driveway leaving no room to avoid a collision.
Slamming on the brakes and swerving to my left I avoided the other vehicle as best I could but the rear right corner of his tray collided with the front right of my car. My bonnet went under his tray. The result of this is that I no longer have a drivers' rear view mirror and have incurred dents, scratches and a hole in my bonnet. Luckily, as the car pulled past me, the rear corner scraped my A-pillar instead of crashing through the windscreen into me. I was able to drive the car home and there doesn't appear to be any structural damage to the suspension/brakes/tyres or engine.
As far as liability is concerned, I am not at fault and have since had discussions with the other driver. Unfortunately, he's uninsured. I do however have an uninsured motorists clause in my policy which provides me with some cover. And I will be pursuing this matter further with the other driver. (Why people are uninsured I don't get!
)
Being new to the mini scene, I was wondering whether anyone had advice on reputable smash repairers/panel beaters/mini specific workshops etc. I don't know where to start with all this and would really appreciate any help/wisdom that you may be able to offer.
Is there anything particular I should look at mechanically? Is it easy to find spare parts. I'm going to need, as far as I can tell, a new bonnet, front quarter panel, grill, rear view mirror and a few other bits and pieces. Also, when it comes to the paint job, will I be looking at a full re-spray for something like this?
I will post up pictures as soon as I figure out how (I haven't read the thread on posting pictures yet).
Once again, thanks for any help/comments.
Perrin
Wasn't impressed. Flatly refused him.
