Hi everyone,

I got a Punto as my first car a few months back, and not too long after had a run-in with a concrete pillar. Now I have a massive dent and load of scratches about here on my car:

I'm looking at the options for getting it repaired, but am thinking a full panel replacement might be the best bet. Does anyone know how much that's likely to set me back? And, more important, where I could get it done? The nearest Fiat-approved bodyshop isn't that near to me, so any alternatives would be welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Do you have a better shot of the actual damage?

Personally I wouldn't recommend changing a rear quarter unless it was absolutely necessary.

I'll get an actual picture tomorrow. I was hoping it'd be a simpler job than replacing the panel, but I wasn't sure where to take it to get the best idea. Don't really know of any bodyshops around here. Will post again tomorrow.

Finally got round to getting a picture done and uploaded...



Fairly deep dent, but not outrageous. Lots of scuffs and scratches. Looks worse the further away you are from it!

That probably can be pulled out and any dents left can be filled
Then resprayed

Your better off just letting a bodyshop do that

Ziggy

Lotus said:

but I wasn't sure where to take it to get the best idea. Don't really know of any bodyshops around here.

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around where?

Portsmouth.

I've had a look at a couple of mobile body repair firms, but wonder if it's too big a job for a touch-up and so might need more work. Ideally I want the best match in terms of paint, but also I need the car and don't want it away at a garage for any length of time.

I literally have no idea about stuff like this, hence the dumbass questions. Thanks for all the help so far.

its to big for a s.m.a.r.t repairer it will have to be a body shop. you not got a local cruise type forum? they often good for finding good cheap body shops

dave said:

you not got a local cruise type forum? they often good for finding good cheap body shops

Click to expand...

Just had a quote of £360 for it...

£360 sounds like a good deal, two questions.

1: What have they agreed to do for this price?
2: Have you seen any examples of their workmanship?

Just "get it repaired". I'll check with him/them what exactly that entails.

http://www.carbodyguard.co.uk/

That's the only quote I've had so far. Seems pretty pricey for something that's only cosmetic. Is that the going rate for something like this?

seems a good price for it, if you was getting the whole rear quater replaced it would be well over a grand

have they seen the car?

There's a reasonable amount of work to do (guide only),

Remove

O/S quarter window
O/S quarter window trim
O/S rear light unit
Fuel flap
O/S quarter inner trim to allow panelbeater access and fitter to wax
O/S door window trim
O/S door moulding
O/S door interior trim
O/S door lock
O/S door mirror

Repair O/S quarter panel
Prepare and paint O/S quarter, blend into driver's door and rear bumper
Machine glaze
Wax inside O/S quarter panel
Refit all parts removed and new O/S quarter trim (if required)

This gives you an idea of the work involved.

Forgot to mention the O/S corner of the rear bumper should also be released otherwise you get a build up of paint in the gap between it and the quarter panel.

I see. Blimey! It was an expensive bump then! :bang:

They've seen a photo of the damage, but not the car in person. Said it would take a day to do, which is quicker than I was expecting.

Heard back from the guy, the price quoted is for a complete repair, paint, body, etc. Seems pretty good I guess, if you guys say the price is ok. Might get another quote or two now I know a rough price. Thanks for all the help on this, much appreciated.

It's always advisable to get a few quotes, that said £360 sounds good to me if you're happy you will get a great repair.

i have a similar problem now but on the passenger side, if i managed to get a passenger side rear quarter how much would it cost to get it fitted? would it be a tricky job?

Regards

drpepperr: Personally I wouldn't bother unless it's absolutely necessary.

Most panel beaters will cut off the top section of the new quarter if the corresponding area on the vehicle is undamaged, which saves them quite a lot of time. However if you want to change the whole panel then you are talking about a lot of work, it's welded to the roof, lamp panel, wheel arch, door post, rear pillar, around the window, along the inner sill and to the outer sill. If you can, stick with the manufacturer's original welds and seals by getting the panel repaired.

yeah mate i've had a bit of time to calm down now so i'm feeling a lot better about it... i've managed to Tcut out most of the surface scratches on the bodywork, it's just the arch now that i will either have to bodge or just get taken to a specialist.