Replacing brake light cover

[mountainmummy]

Hi

Someone drove into our Freda recently and broke the brake light cover (bulb still works). They also slightly scuffed the paintwork and bumper.

They have accepted full repsonsibility and the claim is being dealt with via our insurance companies (they wanted it done this way as they were driving their company car).

Our insurance company have informed us that the van will cost £1200 to fix (seems madness to me it's just a small scuff which would probably T-cut out) and the company they have appointed to fix the van can't fit it in before the begining of September.

We have been told the van is not roadworthy because of the broken brake cover and that we can't drive it and will need to take a hire car.

Can anyone tell me how hard it is to replace the brake light cover and where can we buy a replacement cover? We want to see if we can fix this bit ourselves as we want to go camping this weekend. Also don't fancy driving a hire car for weeks and weeks.

Thanks for your help.

Sara

[wonkanoby]

open tail gate

remove 2 screws

them it comes of sideways

ie tap it on side from inside van outwards dont pull towards you

you will find them on ebay but most are second hand

[daveblueozzie]

You can get a stick on patch from halfords if the damage is not too bad, you cut it to shape over the damage.

[Simon Jones]

Our insurance company have informed us that the van will cost £1200 to fix (seems madness to me it's just a small scuff which would probably T-cut out) and the company they have appointed to fix the van can't fit it in before the begining of September.

That's why all our premiums are so high when bodyshops are quoting astronomical figures for jobs that any competent DIY'er could sort out in a matter of hours

Anyway, the stick on lens repair tape should get you out of trouble short term: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_255230

Alternatively, you can pick up a second hand one for about £60 which you could re-sell when it goes in for repair. Is it the early type with amber lens or slightly later with clear? Nearside or offside? I'm going to a breakers yard tomorrow so will see what he's got available.

[rita]

Some lamps here,



http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksi ... s&_sacat=0

[Simon Jones]

I'm going to a breakers yard tomorrow so will see what he's got available.

Unfortunately, these had long since gone on van I saw today. Sorry

[mountainmummy]

Thanks for all the help.

Think we're just going to let the insurance company get on with it. We phoned them to advise we thought the repair costs were too high but they weren't remotely bothered.