An unfortunate incident
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 8
An unfortunate incident
All,
Had an unfortunate incident that involved a Toyota pick-up and the back of my C2. Basically, brakes failed on the other car while at the shop and the bumper hit my rear quarter panel and pushed the Turbo tail on my car into the cross member below the rear window, pictures are below.
The car is being repaired by Dick's Autobody in Somerville, MA who is known for a great reputation. Unfortunately, in talking with them, it appears that due to the location of the dent in the quarter panel the entire quarter panel may need replacement. I know how much of a procedure this is and I want it done right but I am so hesitant to replace this panel considering the stigma it would bring to the car for really minor damage. I don't mind the damage in the end as the car had a dent fixed on this panel prior but welding I feel is different.
Want to grab everyone's opinions on this and see what you would do in a similar situation. Keep in mind the car has no accident history but has had paint work done for road rash, minor dents and scrapes.
Regards,
Kevin
Had an unfortunate incident that involved a Toyota pick-up and the back of my C2. Basically, brakes failed on the other car while at the shop and the bumper hit my rear quarter panel and pushed the Turbo tail on my car into the cross member below the rear window, pictures are below.
The car is being repaired by Dick's Autobody in Somerville, MA who is known for a great reputation. Unfortunately, in talking with them, it appears that due to the location of the dent in the quarter panel the entire quarter panel may need replacement. I know how much of a procedure this is and I want it done right but I am so hesitant to replace this panel considering the stigma it would bring to the car for really minor damage. I don't mind the damage in the end as the car had a dent fixed on this panel prior but welding I feel is different.
Want to grab everyone's opinions on this and see what you would do in a similar situation. Keep in mind the car has no accident history but has had paint work done for road rash, minor dents and scrapes.
Regards,
Kevin
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 8
Agreed, although I am not an expert. It seems like I am in good hands with Dick's and I trust their judgment on whether they can fix or replace. I guess the question is for you guys out there, if you were buying my car, what would you rather see?
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,052
Likes: 8
That can definitely be straightened out by someone who's good with metal. I've seen worse repaired perfectly. Take the bumper/light/fender liner off and there's plenty of room under that fender to maneuver.
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,634
Likes: 117
From: Boston, MA
Ouch. Sorry to hear this, Kevin.
As far as replacing or straightening the panel... I don't think it makes much difference. The panel would still have to be painted and blended. if Dick's know what they are doing (and I believe they do) the end result will be about the same. So take a bunch of pics as Dave suggested, keep the estimates and final bills and you'll be fine. Let's face it, black is easier to color-match (not like white or red) so I think it would be fine.
BTW, I have the tie rod pins. Is your car going to sit at Dick's or will you be able to join the party?
As far as replacing or straightening the panel... I don't think it makes much difference. The panel would still have to be painted and blended. if Dick's know what they are doing (and I believe they do) the end result will be about the same. So take a bunch of pics as Dave suggested, keep the estimates and final bills and you'll be fine. Let's face it, black is easier to color-match (not like white or red) so I think it would be fine.
BTW, I have the tie rod pins. Is your car going to sit at Dick's or will you be able to join the party?
Trending Topics
Rennlist Stories
The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look
Verdad Gallardo
10 Porsche Colors That Have More Personality Than Most People
Verdad Gallardo
Guntherwerks' Final Speedster Creation Is the Ultimate Porsche Restomod
Verdad Gallardo
10 Reasons I Hate Going to the Porsche Dealership (& the 1 Reason I Stay)
Joe Kucinski
Porsche Shakes Up The Nürburgring Lap Record Table Once Again
Verdad Gallardo
6 Ways the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Redefines Performance
Joe Kucinski
10 Wildest Homologation Specials Porsche Ever Sold
Verdad Gallardo
Super Rare RUF BTR III Comes Out of Hibernation, Looking For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Porsche Opinions That Can Start a Fight
Joe Kucinski
Seared
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 16,884
Likes: 490
From: Ellicott City, MD
Kevin,
Very sorry to read this thread. I'd probably opt for a crisp, new panel - installed and protected correctly. While Noah is correct that craftsmen exist who could massage most if that back, you will still have tons of not-so-pretty evidence visible inside the fenderwell, and most certainly filler of some sort will be used.
Please keep us in the loop regarding your decision.
Andreas
Very sorry to read this thread. I'd probably opt for a crisp, new panel - installed and protected correctly. While Noah is correct that craftsmen exist who could massage most if that back, you will still have tons of not-so-pretty evidence visible inside the fenderwell, and most certainly filler of some sort will be used.
Please keep us in the loop regarding your decision.
Andreas
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,941
Likes: 165
Sorry about this.
Really, when all is said and done, it will look exactly the same whether they try and repair the existing panel or replace it.
Although I understand your concerns, the damage is minor and these cars are all about 15 years old, and some 'experience' is bound to happen to most cars as they age. It won't, or shouldn't, matter much in the long run whether they repair or replace. Think about all the $100K+ 356's that are trading hands that are full of Bondo and worse.
Really, when all is said and done, it will look exactly the same whether they try and repair the existing panel or replace it.
Although I understand your concerns, the damage is minor and these cars are all about 15 years old, and some 'experience' is bound to happen to most cars as they age. It won't, or shouldn't, matter much in the long run whether they repair or replace. Think about all the $100K+ 356's that are trading hands that are full of Bondo and worse.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,677
Likes: 544
From: I should be in TNT for Carnival!
Sorry about this.
Really, when all is said and done, it will look exactly the same whether they try and repair the existing panel or replace it.
Although I understand your concerns, the damage is minor and these cars are all about 15 years old, and some 'experience' is bound to happen to most cars as they age. It won't, or shouldn't, matter much in the long run whether they repair or replace. Think about all the $100K+ 356's that are trading hands that are full of Bondo and worse.
Really, when all is said and done, it will look exactly the same whether they try and repair the existing panel or replace it.
Although I understand your concerns, the damage is minor and these cars are all about 15 years old, and some 'experience' is bound to happen to most cars as they age. It won't, or shouldn't, matter much in the long run whether they repair or replace. Think about all the $100K+ 356's that are trading hands that are full of Bondo and worse.
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 8
Thanks for all the opinions guys, appreciate it. I am thinking more and more about having the panel replaced as in the end that is going to end up with the best result. I'll have a chat with the body shop in the morning and let you guys know the outcome.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,548
Likes: 42
From: FL full time
Wow, it has been some years since that incident with my roof and car lift. In time, the pain will go away.
Foe me there was a silver lining as my car turned out better than before.
If you love the car and intend on keeping it for many years, then get the best quality work done that fits your budget. Don't cut corners unless you intend on selling quickly :-(
Good luck!!!!!!
Foe me there was a silver lining as my car turned out better than before.
If you love the car and intend on keeping it for many years, then get the best quality work done that fits your budget. Don't cut corners unless you intend on selling quickly :-(
Good luck!!!!!!
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,941
Likes: 165