What repair is best? Please Help!!!

[rick112]

The rear passanger side quarter panel of my Sky was hit by a bollard (post). Lots of scratches and a dent in front of the wheel well.

The dealership is saying it is minor and I shouldn't replace the panel as a matter of fact I'm being told I won't get as good a repair if I replace the panel and it has also suggested I might do harm to the car if I have the panel replaced.

I have also been told that the amount of plastic put into the car might end up being the same if they replace the panel as if they do a repair to the origional panel.

If you had the choice would you repair the origional panel or replace it?

[jayman]

Dry ice and a Magic Duster

[skyfan]

You have to watch those bollards. They like to jump out and hit you. The driver is seldom at fault.

[SKY 4 ME]

I'd get a 2nd opinion and go from there.

[Gerry]

I can't see the dent, but based upon what you briefly describe, the dealer is probably right. They don't just slather Bondo to fill in the dent. Body filler is used only in the finishing stage. The dent will first be formed back into shape using body working tools. Once the metal is back to where it should be, filler is spread broadly over the panel and block sanded to make the panel perfect. What you will end up with, if done properly, is the straightest panel on the car.

[usmc]

I've been told the same thing in the past with other cars. If a panel is welded in, that is usually better to repair the dent rather than replace the panel. There is more risk of it not coming out perfect when replacing welded in panels. This is just what I've been told in the past.

I figure there must be some truth to it as the body guy would make more money replacing the panel so theres no real reason for them to recommend the cheaper way of just fixing the dent other than being honest with you.
just my 2-cents.

[xmicro_Redline]

The dealer is totally correct, my brother did high end autobody work for many years. I backed my Eclipse into a fence post and had damage on the rear quarter panel also. That panel is welded to the frame, to cut it and weld on a new one they will use more bondo for sure! Today they can pop most of the panel dent out except the peek of the panel stretch. Then they fill in that small spot at the deepest point with bondo and go.

No matter what you do it will never be like factory when it comes to the rear quarters of the car. Had you hit the front fender or hood then a replacement is more viable! Good Luck

[rick112]

Thanks to those who gave helpful advice! It's appreciated. This is a hard decision.

[JRinKY]

Repair. It will look better, and has less risk of further damage during the repair.