How to get gunsafe damaged paint repaired?

[Bad Kitty]

Went through several movers trying to find one who could handle moving the safe, as well as the rest of the household. They did a pretty good job with the overall move, and I thought the safe was going to be okay. They wrapped it in blankets and padded the hell out of it, but after they unloaded it at the new house, I noticed a small chip...I touched the damaged area with my hand, and large chunk of the finish, about the size of a quarter, fell off revealing the bare metal.

Moving company says send pictures and a repair estimate to their insurance.

I call Liberty Safe to ask how they do repair work, since they cover attempted break-in damage. Liberty says that they don't actually repair it...They replace it, and suggest an auto body shop.

I call a half-dozen shops in Roseville and Sacramento area, and none of them will work on a safe...and they won't even suggest a cost (remember, I need to file an insurance claim).

The local Liberty dealer in Sacramento did say that moving the safe from my house to a shop, and back, would be $400-$600 dollars.

Anyone know where to get this thing repaired? I need some estimates for the insurance. I don't think they will buy the "full replacement" angle.

Also considering selling it, but need to get the insurance claim settled...

[Jeepers]

call a sign painter to come by and give a est. most will airbrush anything.....

[Bad Kitty]

Airbrush or bondo?

I'm not a car/autobody guy by any means, but would airbrush be good enough? I'm thinking this is a bondo-fill and paint kinda job.

[zfields]

High fill epoxy paint... or appliance paint.

Sent from my fingers, to your face.

[killathrilla]

Go to Autozone and especially if its just a chip and get the best color matched chip and paint touch up and you will be gtg.

[Ubermcoupe]

If it’s small enough, touch up paint might help keep it.

When I had my safe delivered the door corner got nudged and chipped, aprox 4cms long, maybe 1cm at the widest point. To minor to really send back for a whole new safe (and wait ___ days/weeks/months) so I contacted the delivery company, and they put me in touch with safe manufacturer and I was able to get some touch up pens shipped to me for free.

It worked and the corner is all sealed up and pretty.

Not sure if that’s an option in your case but it may be something to look into.

[Flyin Brian]

Go to Autozone and especially if its just a chip and get the best color matched chip and paint touch up and you will be gtg.

He's not looking for the cheapest fix, he needs an estimate for insurance.


OP, I would try calling one of those mobile dent removal services and see if they will give you an estimate on it. I've seen a lot of them say "paintless repairs" but maybe some of them have a small paint gun/compressor setup and will shoot small areas onsite? Just a guess.

Otherwise, get a quote from a body shop and get a written moving quote from a real safe mover for moving to the body shop and back, then submit both to insurance. Good luck.

[ThortheDog]

You might want to check with locksmiths in your area (not guys with key cutting businesses, but full service locksmiths). It's not uncommon for these guys to be collectors of old locks and safes. With old safes they sometimes have them refinished, and whoever does that work could probably fix your problem.

[CHS]

Really? A can of quality spraypaint is 5$. Just fix it already.

[Carsgunsandchics]

Mobile Autobody and Paint. Here's the first one when I did a quick search. http://gzautobody.com/?gclid=CJX16pTTnbMCFW-CQgodtDUAVg

[TROYSD]

yes mobile auto body and paint . what he said. also some paintless dent repair people also do painting.

[xibunkrlilkidsx]

I restore old safes that my boss buys from time to time. get me couple pictures and i can get you going on the repair.

Lots of times bondo in the chip sand it and blend everything in than try and blend the paint in.


Unless you have a Pro do it or you are experienced you will be able to tell a lot of the times that it has been touched up, paint color slightly different, can see the edges of the area you painted. Did you ask liberty for touch up paint? Most companies will send a small couple oz bottle if you ask of the paint color.

But those mobile dent guys are probably a good idea like others suggested.

[fourtraxmc]

Check with one of the better used car dealers in your area and ask them who they use for touch-up and paint repair. I have seen some of the mobile guys do amazing repairs. Plus no having to move it and the risk of more damage.

[TROYSD]

go to a new car dealership and find out who does their used cars. one without a body shop . i own 2 automotive paint stores so i know a little of the bussines

[LAKings22]

Go to another body shop. If he says he wont take the job. Tell him you only need an estimate from him and you will pay him a inspection fee or for his time. It shouldn't take more then a few minutes I don't see them charging more then $20 or $25