| Hello all: I posted a few weeks ago concerning some damage that was done to a recently purchased vehicle. incompetence destroys beauty (seeking VA/DC/MD shops...) The damage occurred during the state inspection. The shop owner lifted the car, unknowingly using the seams. I had asked him to wait until I was back inside to show him the lift points, but he was a little rash… After getting positive recommendations via tt.net for a local VA/DC/MD body shop, the work was done promptly. The work was done in excellent quality (to my untrained eye). But, I saw some places for improvement in order to bring the vehicle back to its previous state. I noticed four items, again, to my untrained eye, that I asked the shop to rework. These included (1) a shortened gap where the rocker and fender meet, (2) a slightly flattened slope instead of a curve on the underside of the fender, and gaps between the plastic and fender on (3)+(4) both sides of the wheel well. The shop gladly took the vehicle back and started to address my concerns. The shop manager called today and explained the new set of fixes that were done. The (4) gap between the fascia and the plastic was taken care of. The (3) gap between the plastic and fender was attributed to the plastic being brand new. He stated that time and heat would bring them closer together. I can partially justify these items in my mind. But, I am very paranoid to begin with, so any opinion/advice is welcome. The next two items, I do not have enough experience to make a good judgment call towards. The manager explained that the (1) tightness of the gap between the rocker and fender is standard for Zs, especially for those vehicles which have undergone improper lifts. He also explained that the right side of Zs is more prone to this kind of permanent damage. The manager also explained that the (2) flattened slope where the curve used to be, would require removing the panel and trying to hammer it back into shape. Afterwards, due to paint chipping from the hammer’s force, Bondo would have to be applied to the area. Then the standard sanding and repaint would be done. I do not know much about Bondo, except that it is a dreaded thing to be wary of when buying cars. Although I will probably never sell this vehicle, I do not think I will be satisfied knowing that there is Bondo sitting on my panels. The manager is open to any ideas I can generate and is also willing to perform the Bondo. But, he was kind enough to give me some warning before proceeding with this drastic step. He does not think that much can be done about the gap between the rocker and fender. Any ideas/thoughts that member can give me will be most appreciated. Is there a way to get the gap back to normal and rework the curve without Bondo? I would like to stress that the shop had been a pleasure to deal with. They have put up with my requests to let me take shots of the underside while it was up on the lift. They have put up with my requests to rework the vehicle after they considered the work satisfactorily completed. Even now, they are completely open to doing any work to address the above items. I have no qualms about taking the vehicle to them after the winter to get the front fascia sanded and repainted. But, I am not experienced with the rocker/fender gaps and ‘Bondo’, so once again I must post in need of some expert advice. Overall, should I pursue a higher degree of quality (and how?) or take the vehicle back as is and be partially content while having a nagging feeling inside me? If you read this far down the post, thank you. And if you care to respond, thank you again. Any and all opinions/advice will be most welcome. Thank you all, and also a general thank you to the site operators that work behind the scenes to keep this vast centralized resource up and running 24/7. Pictures follow below: wide shot, post repairs
 items circled are (1) a shortened gap where the rocker and fender meet, (2) a slightly flattened slope instead of a curve on the underside of the fender
 item circled is (3) gap between the plastic and fender
(the indentation on the curve is more visible here, but not circled)
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advice on repairs. accept as is... pursue higher standards? - 
