You are here:

Auto body repair & detailing/Repair or replace Audi fender?

Advertisement

Expert: Michael Kakuk - 4/12/2010


Question

Damaged fender
I have a black 2005 Audi A4 with a dented driver's side fender (neighbour's minivan backed into it).  The price is the same to repair or replace, but the body shop owner suggests that it should be repaired to ensure fit and finish (even OEM replacement parts don't fit like the original) and to better color match the car's original black color (which he says is now faded due to 5 years of exposure to sun and snow.)  I've never imagined that it would be better to repair than replace:  body filler can fail, stretched metal rusts more easily, etc.  What should I do?  I've attached a picture, but because it's dark out, the contrast is pretty poor. (Fender is also dirty, so that doesn't help)  The damage extends from the very top of the wheel well, right down to the bottom of the wheel well near the door.  I appreciate any insight you can offer.

Answer
looks like a repair wouo aheadld be ok. The body tech will first reshape the metal prior to using to any fillers. The edges and alignments to the adjacent panels are a concern during repairs.

If the body shop manager wants to repair and will guarantee the repairs...go ahead with the repairs.

mike

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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.