AlanD, Could you please post some pics of the job? I want to get mine done too, so if you could PM me a rough price of what you paid and for what work (and where) it would be much appreciated. I'm thinking of using a place I know in Willesden.
Hi there - the car's a bit dirty unfortunately, so I couldn't really get any decent pics. Haven't had time for a clean up this weekend. PM me your email if you want me to send over what I have anyway. To be honest, you won't spot anything in the pics .. I can't see any difference at the moment!
I was impressed by the job they did so far and they've obviously used to and happy with prestige cars. Enthusiastic and keen to talk about the job - always a good sign! My job was less straightforward than it could have been - the rear arch had had some damage before as they found filler when they prepped it, so had to clean all that out, rivet and pull out the damage and make perfect the shape again. I can't see any evidence at all right now.
So, on first glance, I'm happy to recommend them:
J B Vehicle Body Repairers
43 Waterloo Road
Uxbridge
UB8 2QX
If you see them soon, mention the C55 they just did!
I don't know how much it cost as it was all done on the insurance by a claims company, so they managed the whole process. I had a quote from my local paintshop for about £700-800, though that may have increased when if they stripped it down and had to make the arch right.
FYI, if you want another recommendation, I've used these guys 2 or 3 times on various cars and been very happy with the results:
Fix Auto Ruislip
Reservoir Road
Ruislip
HA4 7TT
They both are long established businesses run by staff with enthusiasm and care - not the usual fly-by-night wideboys that you find in the chains! They won't quote to do half jobs where the car isn't fully stripped down and prepped, so you won't get the silly low quotes that invite trouble. I doubt you'll go far wrong with either.