Help! Know of any inexpensive/good body shops in PDX/Oregon?

[K624U]

I was recently in an auto accident, and was very lucky to avoid hitting anyone and damaging any property, except for my own car and a pine tree.

My hood, front bumper assembly, passenger side headlight and passenger front fender will need to be replaced. Luckily, there does not seem to be any frame damage, although I could be wrong. A small section of PVC cooling pipe was also broken.

The value of my car is only $2500 or so, but it has some sentimental (yeah, call it stupid) value to me, and I'd prefer not to scrap it if possible. I want to get it repaired as inexensively as possible, as insurance isn't going to cover any of it.

Anyone know of any good, inexpensive and preferebly independent auto body shops in the Portland metro area? I've seen a lot of Leif's and Kadel's around, but fear their prices will be very high.

I can probably get the body pieces needed cheap from other people who have the same car (even same color) as I do who decided to part their vehicles out. Would any body shops even consider doing labor only? Or will they laugh me away?

Thanks a lot. As you can tell, I'm new to ATOT, but have been reading for awhile and know how much knowledge is exchanged on this board.

 

[Bryophyte]

Not possible for you or a friend to install used parts yourselves?

Sorry, don't know any bodyshops around here. Bump for you.

 

[Bryophyte]

Oh, and husband says that some small places will install parts you supply and just charge labor. It's pretty common. Of course, no warranty, but that's hardly surprising.

 

[K624U]

I've done basical mechanical stuff, but have no idea where to start on fender/bumper. I might be willing to try it out, I mean, as long as I don't break even more stuff, and I don't think I will, it's worth a shot.

Thanks for the tip, I'll start looking around for smaller shops in the area as well.

 

[K624U]

Hmm, even removing the panels is harder than I imagined. The hood is bent slightly, and the bumper crunched into it a bit, so I can't just pop it off. Spent 3 hours trying to get fender off, but failed. Maybe I should stick to the title of the thread

 

[K624U]

Anyone else have suggestions? I'm hoping to get the ball rolling on monday.

 

[Bryophyte]

bump for you