Avalanche - need body work

[GranolaJoe]

I had a 100 for 10 years and just picked up an 2018 LC a month ago. Love it. Just got back from a trip to the mountains. While there we stayed at some condos that were built on the side of a mountain in a series buildings stacked higher up the mountain. Sadly, a snow removal company 'accidentally' pushed a large snow/ice pile off the side of a terraced road/small parking area. That pile slid down the mountain (almost a cliff) and crashed onto/into my truck. It was half buried - the entire passenger side. I now have dents and crumples in the hood, the front quarter, and both passenger side doors with multiple spots of cracked paint.

The last time I needed body work was over a decade ago....and not on a 'nice' vehicle. This 18 was perfect. My question is what would you'll look for in a body shop? As I mentioned, I've only had this thing a month and plan to drive it for a decade like I did my 100. I am looking for a factory level fix if possible. TIA.

 

[LBridges]

Is this going through your insurance or do you already have their insurance commitment? Might have some impact on choice of repair facility. My insurance company warrantied lifetime repairs if I used one of their shops. Found one that promised new OEM parts only, and in fact used Toyota branded glass. If their company, then pretty much open options.

If there is paint cracking, can it be assumed that at least some of the dents involve body metal creases too?

Is there a Toyota dealer that has a good rep near you? That would pretty much assure of use of new OEM parts for any replacements.

If you don't go to a dealer, ask wherever you do go, if they will use new OEM only for any replacement parts.

Ask at a couple of automotive paint supply shops who does the best body/paint work. In my area the supply shop guys know all the painters and who has the best reputation. Might not be as true in a larger urban area - don't know.

 

[GranolaJoe]

Good stuff, thank you. Yes, both the property and the contractor are offering help and insurance. I've been looking at the local Lexus body shop for the parts reason. What about paint? In theory, should a Lexus body shop be competent with the potential to be closer to factory?

 

[99Cruiser]

It is going to be a pricey repair. I wonder if they will need to paint the entire truck. You may need new hood, doors, and quarter panel. What about the roof, did it get damaged? We had our GX front fender replaced and painted by the Lexus recommended body shop and the paint still looks good 3 years later.

 

[GranolaJoe]

It is going to be a pricey repair. I wonder if they will need to paint the entire truck. You may need new hood, doors, and quarter panel. What about the roof, did it get damaged? We had our GX front fender replaced and painted by the Lexus recommended body shop and the paint still looks good 3 years later.

Good to know, thank you. I have combed over everything as much as I could and cannot see any damage to the roof. I don't have a good feel for what can be repaired versus what cannot in regards to the doors, panel, and hood.