Replace body panel below passenger door
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Replace body panel below passenger door
HI,
I have scratched the body panel below the passenger door. I would like to remove it and have it repaired. The body shop, Keenan, will charge me significantly less if I bring them the panel. So I would like to remove the panel. Does anyone know of a thread/tutorial of this procedure here or elsewhere? Or should I buy a manual and does the Chevrolet manual cover body panel removal in detail? I have been thinking about getting a manual for years but haven't had the need.
pat
I have scratched the body panel below the passenger door. I would like to remove it and have it repaired. The body shop, Keenan, will charge me significantly less if I bring them the panel. So I would like to remove the panel. Does anyone know of a thread/tutorial of this procedure here or elsewhere? Or should I buy a manual and does the Chevrolet manual cover body panel removal in detail? I have been thinking about getting a manual for years but haven't had the need.
pat
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 1
From: Bradenton, FL
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that's the only panel on a C5 that doesn't come off easily. They use an adhesive to fasten it to the chasis and it's not easily removed or replaced. Most people have it repaired on the car. Sorry 
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
The panel is small ... it wont come off...I can't imagine significantly less..
The panel is low and has a forward seam and trailing seam... no mater how bad this panel is.,.. if he charges you more than 100 dollars he is raping you.. ( On the car. )
The panel is low and has a forward seam and trailing seam... no mater how bad this panel is.,.. if he charges you more than 100 dollars he is raping you.. ( On the car. )
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: South O.C. RSM/MV CA
Hello, Like stated by the others the rocker panel (lower panel you described) is "Bonded" to the car like the Fixed roof on the FRC and Z06 vettes. these do not come off and usually get chiseled off and replaced with a new one 9 times out of 10. if the damage is only surface like less then 1/8 inch deep then the part should just be fixed on the car like evil_twin mentioned. if it has severe damage then a replacement would have to be done in which this would be costly and take some time at a professional body shop. Either way I would recommend taking it to someone who is familiar with SMC (the material the car is mostly made of) not fiberglass as this is a different type of material. Results vary amongst body shops so call around, and remember the cheapest price is not always the best price. You get what you pay for and color matching and blending will be needed to retain the factory look. 100.00 might be a little cheap unless this is like a small nick in the paint but either way you go just ask questions and pay within your comfort zone figure normal body work on a car (done right) would be about 500.00 a fender to remove a dent and color blend, so using this example you can kinda gauge the cost of an SMC repair and color blending of the paint. Good luck and hit me up if you have questions.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Thanks everyone for your input. It is just my luck that the panel is bonded. Well then, that raises another question. The brake duct inlet near the rear tire, how is it removed? It would make a nicer paint job if I could remove it. Does it just pop out if I pry? Please don't tell me its bonded too.
thanks,
pat
thanks,
pat
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 23,234
Likes: 4
From: All that glitters is Gold - Hockey Is CANADA'S game
Cruise-In VI Veteran
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Originally Posted by LV_2_XLR8
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that's the only panel on a C5 that doesn't come off easily. They use an adhesive to fasten it to the chasis and it's not easily removed or replaced. Most people have it repaired on the car. Sorry
Plus the B-pillar
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The rear brake ducts are held on to the rocker panel by three bolts/nuts that can be accessed if you take the rear fender liner out. The duct work is held on with one bolt to the frame.
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