Updated! Need advice.

Had two estimates performed.

1. Reliable body shop quoted a cosmetic repair for about $600.No replacement or taking out door frame.
2. Went to the dealer and received a quote for about $1,400. Dealer claims the rocker panel (entire door frame) must be taken off, replaced (or repaired) because it's cracked (underneath) where the rocker panel meets the frame. Dealer claims a comsmetic repair will crack again because the corvette flexes so much.

It's the dealer right? I'm all for doing it right but don't want to make this a bigger repair than needed. Will fiberglass crack again if it's stressed. I just don't know how much flexing occurs at the rocker panel. I would think 0 since it's bonded to the frame.

Your thoughts?

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I left my house about 5:40 AM to drive up to Tire Rack in South Bend, Indiana. The Michiana Corvette Club (NCCC) was hosting a day of autocross at Tire Rack's track. (They did a great job btw!).

About an hour later I pull into the drive-thru for a cup of coffee. The ordering area is on a curve. I place my order (still dark), pull up and don't see that there is a cement curb that comes out about a foot. You can image the sound . The sound was so bad I thought the rear quarter panel was gone. Anyway, it was bad enough.

I went and made the best of the day at Tire Rack. It was still a bunch of fun.

So, besides sharing my story I'm looking for some advice. I know the rocker panel doesn't bolt on - I read that it's glued to the frame/door. That means a body shop. Any recommendations in central Indiana? Is there anything I should be watching for or avoid?

Thanks in advance for your advice / suggestions.

Mike

 

Ouch! Maybe that'll buff out...good luck!

 

I would have gotten out-kicked the curb and broke my toe.

 

No recommendations/advice but sorry to see a fellow hoosier with damage to their nice shiny vette. I hit a deer months back with mine so I can sympathize with the horrible feeling of looking at a previously undamaged car. I went with the Z style front bumper replacement on mine so i didn't feel so bad once it was fixed.

 

Ouch!! I feel your pain. Best wishes in finding a good body shop to fix her back up.

 

Yes, a body shop is going to have to fix that.............I don't know if it will make you feel any better --- but I've been there done that.
In 1977, I had a brand new Olds 442 in candy apple red metalflake....I pulled in to a gas station that did not have all of the pumps installed yet at one of the islands. When I left, I turned to get to the street and did not see the 4 foot tall steel post full of concrete that they put at the end of pumps to protect them.....it ripped open the side of the car like a can opener, driver's door and rear fender......
I feel for you my man, I really do. Get it fixed right and drive on!!!!

 

I did one very similar.... $600 at the body shop and it was almost as good as new....
Good Luck.

 

I kind of did the same thing a couple weeks ago. Had my wifes new Acadia at the pizza pick up window that I've been to dozens of times. This time traffic was backed way up and I missed seeing a huge concrete step almost a foot high. I drove up on the corner of this step and cut a gash in the sidewall. This was bad but somehow I managed not to put a scratch on the $900 20" chrome wheel. The $300 tire was almost a gift at that point. Still sucks because now I must listen to my wife tell me how stupid that was. Oh yeah...the tires come from you guessed it Tirerack!

 

Damn, makes my stomach hurt just looking at it.

 

Thanks for sharing your own stories. And no, I don't think this one will buff out.

 

Ouch, but not that bad.

 

Take it to Tin Ranch on Hwy.32 If you are coming from Noblesville, it is located on the right, just past the post office after you cross Hwy.31

Ask for Bill, tell him I sent you, he as worked on my cars for years Not as bad as it looks, repair should go well.

-Greg

 

 

Wow that will not Zaino out and good luck with the repair

 

Thanks Greg. I'll give him a call.

Did you and I speak on Saturday on the square? I was admiring your car and asked you a few questions about it. You asked me how I knew it was an '05. Remember? Thanks again.

Mike

 

My dealer did it to me and yes they are bonded to the car. They'll fix it like new. Hope the rest of the day went fine.

 

I've got the same issue on my right rocker panel. I bought the new panel, had it painted to match (Montery Red) and now only need it installed. But out here where I just moved too, no clue which dealer or place can handle this job properly. The place the painted the new one months ago in a different state, didn't want to touch the install job.

 

If your going to pay to fix it out of your own pocket, then go to a good body shop, and have them do it.. however if you plan on making an ins. claim just the rocker panel etc and parts are over $1000 without labor...

PS its a pretty extensive job to replace the rocker panel....if there is any chance of fixing and repainting that one, I'd go that route!

 

looking at that pic should be very easy to repair and paint! No BIGGIE so don't let them beat you up very much on price..... Should take no more than 3 days to get that done and you'll never know it was there!

 

and get some sleep...