A real job from our workshop. This Vauxhall Vivaro was broken into, leaving a hole punched through the sliding door. Instead of fitting a new door, we welded the panel, reshaped it and refinished it to match the rest of the van, saving the customer over £1,000 compared with replacing the door. The work was done at our bodyshop at 19 Corby Road, London NW10.
Welding up the hole
Thieves had forced a hole through the door skin. We cleaned back the damaged metal and welded the hole closed so the panel is solid again.
Grinding back
The weld was ground flush with the panel, ready for filler.
Shaping the panel
A thin skim of filler was applied and sanded until the door’s shape matched the original panel.
Primer and preparation
The repair was primed and flatted, then the van was masked up in our spray booth so only the panels being painted were exposed.
The finished repair
The door and neighbouring panel were painted and blended so the colour matches across the side of the van, with no sign of the break-in.
Why repair instead of replace?
- It cost far less. On this van, repairing the door saved the customer over £1,000 compared with a new one.
- A new sliding door means a part, paint and fitting, and often more time off the road.
- Repairing the original panel keeps the factory fit and seals.
Van been broken into?
Make sure the van is secure, report the break-in to the police and keep the crime reference number in case you claim on your insurance. Then WhatsApp photos and your registration to 020 8782 8753, call, or use our online estimate form. We repair privately or through your insurer. See also Vauxhall body repairs, insurance repairs and fleet and van repairs.
