Body Damage Advice
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 23
From: Minnesota
Body Damage Advice
This is the bottom of the passenger front fender where it meets the rocker panel. I do have the little ear piece that broke off along with the bolt. Can the body shop repair it or am I going to need a new fender?
For those of you wondering how it happened, I parked next to a median in a parking lot. I figure if I have one side next to the median that limits the chance of door dings by 50%. When I drove off I forgot I was next to the median and rode over part of it.
I'm debating if I should submit it to the insurance company or just pay for it myself to avoid a rate increase. I have $1000 deductable by the way.
Anyone know of a good place to bring the car not too far from downtown St. Paul, MN?
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Lenoir City TN
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Mine is broken but not that bad, I have to use a larger washer, kind of a weak spot. I am not sure if it can be fixed but I am all ears. Good luck and let know how you go.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 623
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From: SpringHill Florida
Ecklers sells a repair kit that works extremely well and is only about 40 dollars. I used it on my drivers side after the curb took out the fender tab. You can bond it on from behind and not even see it. I used some 5 minute epoxy and was out the door in no time. Good luck
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Had to be heartbreaking when you heard that sound. Best of luck with the repair.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: hebron IL
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Can't be fixed at a body shop. That area of the fender has a lot of stress on it. Fender should be replaced. The rocker panel maybe able to be repaired.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,787
Likes: 139
From: center of Kalifornia
On a single car loss you will likely get a surcharge so wait until a big one happens. It is so low I would do a cheap fix and see how it goes. It really won't be seen. You don't want to get into that paint match thing if you can avoid it. Good Luck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Palm Desert CA
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,916
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From: West Palm Beach Florida
it can be repaired. i use to repair fiberglass boats, in a lot worse shape.
you will need to go to a boat repair supply house. (internet)
get some woven-woven (its like angel hair) & gallon of liquid fiberglass.
sand area completely, & soak woven in glass liquid & apply to both pieces.
dont be stingy on the woven, let dry (15 minutes) & build up gradually.
remeber, our cars are built of fiberglass. it some tough s..t
if you go this route i will walk you thru the process.
Jim
... ...
you will need to go to a boat repair supply house. (internet)
get some woven-woven (its like angel hair) & gallon of liquid fiberglass.
sand area completely, & soak woven in glass liquid & apply to both pieces.
dont be stingy on the woven, let dry (15 minutes) & build up gradually.
remeber, our cars are built of fiberglass. it some tough s..t
if you go this route i will walk you thru the process.
Jim
... ...
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Blairsville Pa
I teach collision repair and I can tell you, it definately can be fixed. SEM products makes many excellent epoxies including one that sets in less than a minute and is specifically for repairing buper and fender tabs when you break one after the car has been painted and is heading out the door of the shop. If you need more info PM me.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 23
From: Minnesota
Thanks guys for the comments. I'll make sure to mention the SEM products to them incase they are unfamiliar with them.
The pic makes it look like a larger area than it is. The piece that broke off is about the size of a fingertip.
Here's another pic with my finger next to it. I replaced the bolt and washer which is still large enough to hold the fender in place.
The pic makes it look like a larger area than it is. The piece that broke off is about the size of a fingertip.
Here's another pic with my finger next to it. I replaced the bolt and washer which is still large enough to hold the fender in place.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,308
Likes: 1
From: The Beautiful Greater Bay Area California
it can be repaired. i use to repair fiberglass boats, in a lot worse shape.
you will need to go to a boat repair supply house. (internet)
get some woven-woven (its like angel hair) & gallon of liquid fiberglass.
sand area completely, & soak woven in glass liquid & apply to both pieces.
dont be stingy on the woven, let dry (15 minutes) & build up gradually.
remeber, our cars are built of fiberglass. it some tough s..t
if you go this route i will walk you thru the process.
Jim
... ...
you will need to go to a boat repair supply house. (internet)
get some woven-woven (its like angel hair) & gallon of liquid fiberglass.
sand area completely, & soak woven in glass liquid & apply to both pieces.
dont be stingy on the woven, let dry (15 minutes) & build up gradually.
remeber, our cars are built of fiberglass. it some tough s..t
if you go this route i will walk you thru the process.
Jim
... ...
Yes! Now, if you are to attempt this project yourself, here are a few helpful tips that I have used over the years: Firstly, not many people are aware at all of the fact that you can purchase "Fiberglass Cloth", which looks like a woven fabric that is neatly folded and available in a flat plastic bag at the Home Depot, in the Paint Department. Moreover, for very small repairs that do not require the rebuilding of large surface areas, go and visit your local Auto Body and Paint Supplies warehouse. In my area, Ned's Auto Body Paint and Supplies suits my autobody and repair needs. And, the product that will help you with any flexible polyurethane, or, fiberglass type fender, or, body panel is a product called "Plastic Surgery". This is a two part epoxy that comes boxed in an 8"X2" box made by Dominion Seal. Good luck to you. 
Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
wow not so fast.
.i am a autobody tech in cleveland area first i would not mess around with really anything yourself no matter what it is.ecspiecaly fiberglass matte..your have a horror seen!!
if you dont know what your doing .new vette panels are not matte anymore the are smc a new type of plastic composite..3m has specific 2 part repair filler and backer panels for this repair...but...must be done properly or will be a mess,a adhesion promoter is recommended comes in a little pack soaked in a little yellow sponge no offense to anyone please just trying to help..i suggest going to a repatable body shop and paying for it..paint will match..color will be so low and blended
that the original color will mostly show from your door to the fender .this new stuff when done correctly ..will not break even if you try the hole edge will be solid repair and the hole should be redrilled..oh i thing just because you take it to a body shop doesnt mean theyll do it properly though..go to a i-car certified shop and tech..repairs about 3hrs..fender 2hrs rocker..3hrs paint fender 2hrs paint rocker at 40.00 hr..plus materials
.i am a autobody tech in cleveland area first i would not mess around with really anything yourself no matter what it is.ecspiecaly fiberglass matte..your have a horror seen!! if you dont know what your doing .new vette panels are not matte anymore the are smc a new type of plastic composite..3m has specific 2 part repair filler and backer panels for this repair...but...must be done properly or will be a mess,a adhesion promoter is recommended comes in a little pack soaked in a little yellow sponge no offense to anyone please just trying to help..i suggest going to a repatable body shop and paying for it..paint will match..color will be so low and blendedthat the original color will mostly show from your door to the fender .this new stuff when done correctly ..will not break even if you try the hole edge will be solid repair and the hole should be redrilled..oh i thing just because you take it to a body shop doesnt mean theyll do it properly though..go to a i-car certified shop and tech..repairs about 3hrs..fender 2hrs rocker..3hrs paint fender 2hrs paint rocker at 40.00 hr..plus materials
Last edited by jack10; Jul 19, 2007 at 10:45 PM.