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Auto body repair & detailing/fender-bender acura tsx09

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Expert: Michael Kakuk - 9/15/2009


Question

left door
As you can see in the picture, damage is on the left rear door.  One body shop quoted an estimate of over $1500,saying that the door shell needs to be replaced, and if after tear down, there is structural damage, a new door needs to be replaced. Another body shop quoted an estimate of less than $900, saying they would just refinish the damage, and blend quarter panel.  Some of the white scratches that you see in the pic can probably be removed/buffed from 3M rubbing compound, and i can call the Door Dent specialist to remove those dents.   Car is free and clear.   My main concern is trying to preserve the factory orginal paint.  Honest opinion, what should i do?

Answer
DAVID....I KNOW ITS HARD TO JUDGE BY A PICTURE BUT I WOULD GO WITH #2. REPAIRING THE DOOR AND BLENDING THE QUARTER IS BETTER FOR YOUR CAR THAN REPLACING THE DOOR SKIN.

DON'T BOTHER WITH PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR DUE TO  THE DAMAGES I SEE THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COMPLETELY REPAIR THE DENT.


THEFACTORY PAINT ISN'T A PROBLEM......IT'S LIKELY THAT ITS THE SAME PAINT USED BY YOUR BODY SHOP.


GOOD LUCK

MICHAEL

Michael Kakuk

Expertise

I can answer any question that you may have about collision repairs and what to do after an accident. I can also answer basic mechanical problems but that is not my area of expertise.I can help you with repairing your own vehicle in your garage and also answer any paint related questions.

Experience

15 years experience with State Farm insurance as an auto inspector. 10 years of collision center management with 3 fortune 500 companies.

Organizations
Ezine expert author.

Publications
Ezine magazine Car advertisements Various car related web sites

Education/Credentials
Votech School Chief Frame School Hunter Alignment school I-CAR Certified Plastic Repairs Aluminum Repairs

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