Panel Fit Issues on New GTS

Major Hazard · Post by **Major Hazard** » Mon Aug 29, 2016 2:24 pm

Major Hazard2016-08-29 14:17:01

Major Hazard · Post by **Major Hazard** » Mon Aug 29, 2016 2:29 pm

Major Hazard · Post by **Major Hazard** » Mon Aug 29, 2016 2:32 pm

Major Hazard · Post by **Major Hazard** » Mon Aug 29, 2016 2:37 pm

Major Hazard · Post by **Major Hazard** » Mon Aug 29, 2016 3:16 pm

Just wanted to give those of you with the SD body kits a heads up on the problems I had with my GTS. As soon as I got it home in the daylight out of the showroom, I noticed a huge difference between panel fit of the side skirt, bonnet and what I will call the wing quarter panel, with the nearside well out of alignment.

Pics show it pretty well but summarised as

1) Bonnet proud of quarter panel top edge by 5mm - Worse at the wheelarch intersection

2) Side skirt proud of quarter panel bottom edge by 10mm - Worse at the wheelarch intersection

3) Side skirt bulged out by 10mm in relation to the bottom of the doors, worse at the B Pillar

Overall effect was it looked like the quarter panel and skirt had taken a knock or been very badly fitted, especially compared to the "perfect" nearside

Sent some pics to the OPC and they agreed something was wrong, but completely washed their hands of the problem, despite me being out of the showroom less than a couple of hours - After all, I had accepted the car!

I was to go to Chartwell, their approved bodyshop in Derby and let them have a look. They were absolutely fantastic and what a place! You name it, they were repairing in. F40, 458, California, McLarens, from all over the country.

My assessor took one look and said don't worry, the Macans with bodykits are all over the place, and he suggested we looked at three he had waiting repair - He was right, my faults were exhibited on all three cars, and some worse. He said he could certainly make it better, and most important on a new car promised not to make it worse or damage the car in the process!

He dealt with Porsche and confirmed the go-ahead a few days later. Only downside was could not get a loan car from my OPC at short notice and did not want to wait so had a fun 48 hours in one of their new Fiestas!

Again, Chartwell were superb and did a fantastic job of squaring things up without any paint needed. The car looks straight and even and when I sell, I will not have to explain ".....don't worry, its not been in an accident, they are all like that!"

Advice? Just have a thorough check of panel fit when you collect your new car and if there is a problem, sort it there and then. I really wish I had just rejected it and let them sort it out or confirmed a date to return it for them to get it to Chartwell and give me a nice loan car!

Already have your car and not happy? Go back to your OPC and complain - There is no way they can claim bad factory panel fit was somehow caused by you, so go for it!

Wing Commander · Post by **Wing Commander** » Mon Aug 29, 2016 3:58 pm

Blimey! Hope you were not out of pocket? Not a great response from your OPC!

Col Lamb · Post by **Col Lamb** » Mon Aug 29, 2016 4:02 pm

Major Hazard · Post by **Major Hazard** » Mon Aug 29, 2016 4:20 pm

Tks - Cost me £17 to insure the loan car so I have another brolly waiting for me next time I am in the OPC!

Wing Commander · Post by **Wing Commander** » Mon Aug 29, 2016 4:27 pm

Yes, I think that they have some making up to do!

microbe · Post by **microbe** » Mon Aug 29, 2016 4:29 pm

How on earth did your car get through all the checks supposedly performed with panels out of line like that?

Panel Fit Issues on New GTS

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