About to buy a Suburban

**Darstedly** · 02-08-2009, 07:43 PM

Hello all. I joined yesterday as I'm about to buy my first Suburban. I'm looking at a 1998 K1500 that the owner says has a dent in one of the rear barn doors. I've yet to go and see it but wondered if anyone has an idea of the cost of repairing that sort of damage in the south east of England. Thanks.

**Springthing** · 02-08-2009, 07:56 PM

It really, truly depends on the depth, location, and what other damage may have come about.

If it is just a simple dent - like someone was practicing some rugby moves in the yard and rushed, head first, smack into the middle of the door - then it should be a simple pull that will pop out.

If it is near an edge then it's a little more involved with having to reshape the edge and get the curve back.

If it's a crease then it all depends on how bad the creasing is and how easy it would be to roll it out again.

If there is paint damage, then you are looking at the door being painted as well.

Totally rough guesstimate (in the US..US dollars..)

Low end/simple concave right in the middle - $50-$100
High end creased that goes into the edge with missing paint from a scratch - $300-ish?

Hopefully someone else will be able to help. I really have no idea about how prices are in your area.

Good luck, and let us know if you have a new purchase on your hands!

**tbplus10** · 02-08-2009, 08:37 PM

Welcome aboard.
Most of us couldnt convert dollars to pounds, let alone figure the labor rate for repairs in England.
Depending on the size and depth you may be able to repair this yourself.
A few methods I use with good success are:
Hot and Cold, rubbing Dry Ice wrapped in cheese cloth over the dent then hitting it with hot air from a heat gun.
Or
Remove the rear inside panel and use sheet metal spoons to smooth out the dent.
Or
A dent suction cup. You can buy them at most auto parts stores in the US, dont know if their available in England though.

**MWright936** · 02-08-2009, 08:58 PM

Welcome to the site! Good luck with the suburban!

**retired2001** · 02-08-2009, 09:00 PM

Welcome to the site! As stated above, someone local is going to be your best resource on the body work. There are a lot of folks on the site with Sub's so it should be a good resource for most things "Siuburban". Good luck!

**cascott325** · 02-08-2009, 09:20 PM

welcome to the forums

**Darstedly** · 02-09-2009, 05:00 AM

Thanks everyone that replied. When I see the damage I'll see what I can do. I'll let you know the cost too in case you're ever in the UK! I didn't think that I would be the only one on line from England, though. Maybe it's a time zone thing. Maybe I'm all alone out here.

**Springthing** · 02-09-2009, 09:09 AM

I don't think many people can afford to drive a suburban out there - and from what I hear, I'm guessing most people might be afraid to navigate the streets there with a big ol' 'burban!