Expert: Michael Kakuk - 9/21/2009

Question
I'm considering buying red Dodge Ram 2500 pickup. I just learned it has had body work. The paint just forward of the right rear wheel well is not original, and a magnet falls off this area. I looked at the area from inside the wheel well, and I could not see anything odd. The truck also has a quarter-sized perforation in the painted strip above the front bumper. This part of the truck is some kind of plastic. On cheaper models, it's black rubber, but on this model, it's painted to match the truck.

Do have any idea what it would cost, roughly, to get these items fixed? Thanks.

Answer
Steve....I can't be to realistic trying to quote you without visually inspecting the truck.

But I'll wing it.......ok...magnet falling off means that there is filler there...if it is not cracking or looks like %$#@ then a repaint of the bedside would be in order.

About 350-400 plus time to remove any moldings and trim.

As far as the painted strip above the bumper that may well require replacement...probably a valance
or filler panel...cost unk... figure 75-90.00.

Sooo....you have roughly $ 500.00 or so.

Your best bet is to run it by a body shop so they can see it and quote you...there is no charge
for the estimate and if they do charge for an estimate then thank them and get out!!

Good Luck