Hi all, as @Alan@Crafted automotive is now a trade member and has carried out all my body and paint modification on my caddy and recently done @Texxaco custom from bumper I thought it was time for him to get a review.
What can I say, crafted by name craftsmen by nature. Alan is craditnto his industry. His knowledge is second to none, professional, polite, kind, considerate and passionate.
I first met Alan about 18 months ago after some egit reversed into my van whilst I was stationary at a fuel pump.
The exterior mods had been done by a previous owner well known on Instagram. Unfortunately the accident highlighted just how shody and dangerous his work is but I'll come to that later.
After numerous repairers looked at the van that the underwriters classed as approved thetly eventually came to the conclusion it needed a specialist.
After numerous recommendations on caddy Facebook pages along comes Alan.
He took it all in his stride. Said "No worries fella leave it with me a few days I'll look at what the damage is" a 1 hour and 45 minute drive north and I dropped the van off. Alan stripped the front end and photo documented it every step of the way. Which is when the horrors emerged. He found bumpers fiberglassed together with some form of plastic weld over the top but it had no penetration and it was the wrong type of plastic so literally peeled off. This is why the bumper cracked so easily. The grill was held together with a mixture of woodscrews a fibreglass and it was all a mess.
I had a huge arguement with the insurance as they where indecisive on what to do and how much the repair should cost etc. (Never again will I use Adrian Flux or have Marker Study as an underwriter).
Alan kept the van whilst they worked out what was happening. Eventually the green light was given after Alan submitted a very in-depth report.
A brand new Mk8 Golf GTi bumper, grills and trims was sourced and a MK4 caddy bumper at the insurers request (I'd of been happy with insurance approved patterns). Alan then gave me regular updates, photos and videos of the build every step of the way and on collection day I was over the moon. To the point I instantly got Alan to price a build a brand new rear bumper as I knew that would have been bodged too (which it was).
Since then Alan has resprayed various areas on the van I wasn't happy with and the engine bay. The finish is always like glass when it's done and I won't let ANYONE else touch the van.
Alan has become a good friend now and I refer many of my own customers to him including @Texxaco if I didn't trust him I wouldn't do this as it could risk my reputation too.
He's based in Dewbury on the outskirts of Bradford, but as with many companies on here 100% worth the drive!
Below are photos of before and after. All Alan's custom bumpers are plastic welded both sides, heat formed and moulded where needed. I'm sure Alan will jump on here and explain the process shortly.
Before:
After
my engine cover Alan has done
What can I say, crafted by name craftsmen by nature. Alan is craditnto his industry. His knowledge is second to none, professional, polite, kind, considerate and passionate.
I first met Alan about 18 months ago after some egit reversed into my van whilst I was stationary at a fuel pump.
The exterior mods had been done by a previous owner well known on Instagram. Unfortunately the accident highlighted just how shody and dangerous his work is but I'll come to that later.
After numerous repairers looked at the van that the underwriters classed as approved thetly eventually came to the conclusion it needed a specialist.
After numerous recommendations on caddy Facebook pages along comes Alan.
He took it all in his stride. Said "No worries fella leave it with me a few days I'll look at what the damage is" a 1 hour and 45 minute drive north and I dropped the van off. Alan stripped the front end and photo documented it every step of the way. Which is when the horrors emerged. He found bumpers fiberglassed together with some form of plastic weld over the top but it had no penetration and it was the wrong type of plastic so literally peeled off. This is why the bumper cracked so easily. The grill was held together with a mixture of woodscrews a fibreglass and it was all a mess.
I had a huge arguement with the insurance as they where indecisive on what to do and how much the repair should cost etc. (Never again will I use Adrian Flux or have Marker Study as an underwriter).
Alan kept the van whilst they worked out what was happening. Eventually the green light was given after Alan submitted a very in-depth report.
A brand new Mk8 Golf GTi bumper, grills and trims was sourced and a MK4 caddy bumper at the insurers request (I'd of been happy with insurance approved patterns). Alan then gave me regular updates, photos and videos of the build every step of the way and on collection day I was over the moon. To the point I instantly got Alan to price a build a brand new rear bumper as I knew that would have been bodged too (which it was).
Since then Alan has resprayed various areas on the van I wasn't happy with and the engine bay. The finish is always like glass when it's done and I won't let ANYONE else touch the van.
Alan has become a good friend now and I refer many of my own customers to him including @Texxaco if I didn't trust him I wouldn't do this as it could risk my reputation too.
He's based in Dewbury on the outskirts of Bradford, but as with many companies on here 100% worth the drive!
Below are photos of before and after. All Alan's custom bumpers are plastic welded both sides, heat formed and moulded where needed. I'm sure Alan will jump on here and explain the process shortly.
Before:
After
my engine cover Alan has done
