Expert: Michael Kakuk - 5/15/2010

Question
Hi, I have a 2004 Taurus and recently someone back into the left side of my car and crushed the Quarterpanel in. I have been trying to find a replacement one with no luck. Is their a quarterpanel replacement available? I have been told by a few shops that the dent could not be pounded out. I would hate to junk the car for a quarterpanel, seeing that the rest of the car is mint. Please can you help me with this so I can get it fixed possibly. Thanks.

Answer
JOHN....IF THE FORD DEALER DOES NOT HAVE ONE AVAILABLE THEN THE ONLY OPTION IS TO HAVE ONE
PUT ON FROM A SALVAGE YARD. MOST SHOPS DO NOT LIKE TO TO THIS BECAUSE OD THE LABOR INVOLVED.

INSTALLING A USED QUARTER PANEL ALSO MAKES THE JOB HARDER TO DO. SHOPS CAN DO THE JOB
BUT ALSO WILL BE ASKING FOR MORE LABOR HOURS THAN THE LABOR HOURS TYPICALLY SHOWN IN THE DATABASE.

THANKS
MIKE