Auto body repair & detailing: Interior fire, diminished value claim, heater boxes

Question
Are their dangers or concerns in repairing a vehicle that has gone through an interior fire? Our van was stolen and soaked in zippo(still in vehicle) and burnt. Moderate damage on passenger middle section. Damage clear through to the flooring. Insurance paid for repair. Body shop went over a pretty intense cleaning and repair job. Now that it is back it looks fine, but the smell is quite nauseating. We were told it would fade in time. I can't help but worry each time I load my small children in it. I myself am an asthmatic. Should I be concerned?

Answer
Lori, it poses absolutely no risk- but I wouldn't accept the smell. Jump up and down on your insurance companies desk untill they get all the smell out- even if it means replacing the entire interior- which it probably will. The smell is trapped in the carpet, headliner, seats and seat foam. If replacing all that still doesn't remove the smell, then there was burned plastic somewhere- maybe in the wiring or heater boxes and such. DO NOT accept this. Your body shop has lmited control here- your insurance company is the problem. make them make it right, or threaten a diminished value claim. Bill