Clipped my rocker panel area on a curb. Advice would be appreciated!
 

Hi all, this is my first post. I clipped my right rear rocker panel on a protruding curb while exiting a parking garage. In addition to the rocker panel damage, there is an outward extending crease above the rocker panel and a bend visible from the wheel well, exposing a bit of metal (all pictured below).

I’ve received two repair estimates ranging from $1000-1500, but it would require them to pop out the entire quarter panel, primer and then repaint the whole thing (to avoid paint cracking). Does this sound right? I’m afraid that there might be issues with paint matching on a white out. I consulted with a paintless dent removal place and they wouldn't be able to fix it.

Has anyone encountered similar damage? Although unlikely, does anyone know of a side skirt that would cover up the damage (including the bend that’s visible in the second picture)? I’m not interested in an aero kit though. Lastly, can anyone recommend a body/paint shop in Southern California that they’ve had a good experience with, especially in regards to paint matching? Thanks for your help!

Mine got dinged is just about the same area. And the money is just about the same. They have to pop out the rear window, and fade it into the door. They'll paint the whole fender, In my case, I have a spoiler on the rear, so they took off the trunk lid.

I wouldn't go the route of getting a side skirt. You'll still know it's there, and I happen to dislike the route of piling on a lot of plastic cladding.

It'd be like moving a piece of furniture to cover the stain in the carpet.

My two cent worth.....

P.S. I absolutely cannot detect the paint work. They can do some great things these days with paint, especially new paint. Not to worry.

P.P.S. That flare is beautiful, but the DO seem to attract a lot of damage.

I literally had the same dent, On argento and took it to the bodyshop I use threw my dealership and it was about 1100 so I would say your right on the money. Thought about covering it up with a skirt as well but then you risk having that area rust out and not knowing until its to late because its hidden by the skirt, However the risk of that happening in the Canadian winter with the road salt is a lot higher than in California.

I had the EXACT same damage as you and it only cost me 400 bucks.

First estimate was 1000 like your, next place I went to said that it was impossible to fix really and the third place was a PDR (paintless dent removal) and the guy said he should be able to get it out at least 90% for 400.

I literally cant even see where the dent was anymore. Do PDR and shop around till you find someone who can/will do it for that price range. The rocker panel on these cars is soft as shit. Easy to dent, easy to fix.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61229

I actually stumbled upon your post first and requested an estimate from the PDR shop you took it to. They told me they are unable to access the area to remove the bend, given that my damage extends into the wheel well. :/ Thanks though

And thanks to everyone for the very helpful input, evidently this area is prone to damage. I'm just in the process of finding a good shop and determining whether I want to involve insurance given that my deductible is $500. Did you guys pay out of pocket?

Not sure if you'd be interested, but the STI-style sideskirt may cover up your damage:

http://www.sti.jp/parts/catalogue/br...031AS000_d.jpg

You can find replicas on fleaBay for reasonable prices.

Why yes,let's slap a bandaid on a gunshot. Seems legit.

Is a viable option if OP wanted that! I would advise against it for the reasons stated in other replies but still viable.


I read a wise man make a statement in another thread today that went like this:
"I always forget that people aren't exactly patient, or polite"

Tis a valid point. But given the way his rocker is also dented in, I'd be willing to bet a skirt would have fitment issues as well, which would require bodywork anyhow. In addition to that, with rep/not reputable body parts, thy usually require finishing (sanding/priming/paint) as they come pitted from the factory, so factor in cost of the skirt, cost of finishing and you're not that far off from properly fixing something.

I mean. The other option OP could go with, is just say fuck it and not worry about fixing it and wear it as a badge of honour. I've already decided that any bumper damage I get, zip ties will be used to fix it.

Agree - but it met the criteria he asked for. His car, not mine.

Also a very good point - with the damage in place, any sideskirt may not fit as designed.

I have a bit worse of damage in the same spot (from sliding into a laid down cone at Auto-X, why they were using huge cones for the finish, IDK). My estimate was a little over $1000 as well, so I agree with everyone else that the price is about right. Still haven't gotten mine fixed though...

For the deductible usually you pay that to the shop after the work is done and you sign off on it. I hit a deer and it did about $6800 worth of damage and my deductible was $1000.. Needless to say after that accident I switched insurance companies and lowered my deductible to $500 and lowered my monthly payment :)