2000 Malibu with dents in both front quarter panels. How much to fix?

Question

I have dents in both front quarter panels and only the quarter panel. The damage doesn't extend any further. May be stupid question, but in fixing them, do the replace the panels and then I have to pay for a complete paint job for the car? (Never had body work done) Or can they match the paint without painting the whole car. What would you say a ballpark figure would be to have this done?

Answer 1

Grace,

A lot of it depends on the extent of the damage to the front fenders (quarter panels are the rear fenders, front fenders are just called fenders). If they are repairable, they can be taken off the car and repaired, and the paint will be matched to the rest of the car. Unless you have some serious paint issues they will not have to repaint the whole car.

I'm guessing that a reputable body shop could do it for under $500, depending on how much damage there is. Replacement would be more, I am sure.

I also answered your other question about the intake manifold, and this reinforces my thoughts about that, too. It looks as though you are talking about spending around $1500 or so. If you think about it, that is still cheaper than buying a new car and taking the depreciation hit as well as the long term payments, especially if you like this car.

Hope that this helps, and that you have a great day.

Answer 2

Generally, any painting done on one panel has to be "blended" into any adjacent panels for a good color match---so if the two front fenders need repair, the shop will have to blend paint into the hood and possibly the two front doors. Figure roughly 3-400.00 per panel = 900-2000.00 for painting alone. Don't use Maaco or Earl Scheib as they use single stage paint which fades quickly and is not as good as original two-stage paint from the factory---base coat and clear coat. Their work is pretty sloppy too, poor masking and taping, overspray, runs, etc.. Call some local bodyshops and get some estimates for doing the work. If the dents have not chipped the paint, it may also be possible to have Paintless Dent Removal done which is about 100.00 per panel. Some shops do it or try Dent Wizards.
Last option is to find good used fenders in a salvage yard of the same color as your car and just have them replaced...may not be easy as most yards want to sell the whole front end and not split it up.

Answer 3

In Az there is a place called Certi-fit, they sell parts for vehicles involved in collisions. They are very inexpensive. This is where most body shops get 'their' parts, then mark them up to you. You can have a friend or someone put it on for you, then get it painted. Maybe you have some place similar in your area. Do an online search for your area.

Answer 4

http://www.maaco.com is a good but inexpensive body repair franchise that may have a location near you. They also paint complete cars for $500.