Repairing Guides

how much does it cost to repair a quarter panel

by Ansley Maggio Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Fixing a quarter panel will likely cost around $2,000, unfortunately. Body panel repairs, including quarter panel repairs, are usually expensive. If the damage is extensive enough that the panel needs to be replaced, a new corner panel can cost anywhere between $500 and $1500, depending on if you use aftermarket parts or OEM.

Full Answer

What is a full quarter panel replacement?

Full quarters usually replace the originals in the factory locations, which means the welds stay in the stock locations as well. Full quarter-panel replacement will take care of rusted areas in the rear window frames, trunk jambs and door jambs. Full quarters also give you access to the wheel house, trunk drop, and any other inner body structures.

How do you fix a damaged quarter panel on a car?

Quarter panel repair involves reconstruction of the damaged quarter panel by hammering it out and using body filler to fill out the uneven surface. However, this process applies only to quarter panels damaged in a collision, and even then, the possibility of repair relies heavily on the amount of damage.

Should I repair or replace my quarter-panel?

Quarter-Panel Repair: Patch it, Skin it, or Replace it? With the typical Detroit classic car now pushing over 40 years in age, tackling a musclecar restoration project almost always involves quarter-panel repair. Their large size and proximity to the rear tires makes quarter-panels very prone to dings, dents, and rust damage.

Is welding damage on a quarter panel repairable?

Still, the repair of the welding damage to adjacent panels isn’t included in the quarter panel replacement time, and very few shops charge extra for the procedure. Of course, many shops don’t repair the inside of the inner panels or the inner pinch welds after welding a quarter panel either.

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How much should it cost to replace a quarter panel?

If the damage is extensive enough that the panel needs to be replaced, a new corner panel can cost anywhere between $500 and $1500, depending on if you use aftermarket parts or OEM. Plus, the quarter panel is welded on, so replacing it is a time-consuming process. That means hours of labor, which can get expensive.

Is it better to repair or replace a quarter panel?

No matter what a body shop tells you, there is never an acceptable time for the your car's damaged quarter panel should be replaced with a previously used “aftermarket” quarter panel.

Why is a quarter panel so expensive?

The reason for this is the quarter panel is much more expensive and labor-intensive to remove and replace. Replacing a welded-on quarter panel disturbs more of the original construction, such as seams, welds and corrosion protection, so more repair time can be allocated before the replacement threshold is met.

Can a quarter panel be replaced?

On the surface, it's a simple job: cut the old quarter-panel off and weld a new one on. Like all things in life, however, it's not quite so easy. On the surface, it's a simple job: cut the old quarter-panel off and weld a new one on.

How many hours does it take to replace a quarter panel?

See all 21 photos Before the new Goodmark panels can go on, the old ones need to come off....We Show You How To Replace A Rear Quarter-Panel With New Parts From Goodmark Industries.LABORReplace left 1/4 panel16 hoursReplace rear panel8 hoursFit trunk1.5 hoursTotal labor28.5 hours10 more rows•Apr 10, 2008

How do you fix quarter panel damage?

4:0112:57How I Fixed My Smashed in Quarter Panel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSection on my car. And then go and weld in a nice clean piece from another car which is exactly whatMoreSection on my car. And then go and weld in a nice clean piece from another car which is exactly what I did in actually turned out pretty good okay.

How do you fix a dent in a quarter panel?

Bring a pot of water to a boil and take it out to your vehicle. Slowly pour the hot water over the dent so it heats up the panel and makes it more malleable. After that, spray the area with compressed air to cool it down quickly. If you're lucky, the dent will pop right out.

How do you replace a quarter panel skin?

0:215:43How to install a quarter panel skin on a 65 Chevy Malibu SS - The BuildYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe put the patch panel in. But we've got too much other damage in the quarter. We're going to goMoreWe put the patch panel in. But we've got too much other damage in the quarter. We're going to go ahead and just skin the quarter. Put new quarter skins on it'll be a much better repair.

How much is it to replace a fender?

A smaller front fender replacement should cost you between $500 and $1,500, while medium repairs can set you back between $1,500 to $4,000. If the repair is on the larger side, meaning the fender is completely damaged and it's difficult to drive your vehicle, you could pay upwards of $6,000.

Are quarter panels structural?

Even though a quarter panel is not considered a structural component with regards to the vehicle structure, they do interact with the structural components.

How do I fix my body panel?

0:041:52Step by step guide to repair and prepare car body panels ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAgain remove any debris from the surface which may cause defects in the filler. Mix the filler byMoreAgain remove any debris from the surface which may cause defects in the filler. Mix the filler by slicing. And folding in the hardener on a non-porous mixing board using a ratio recommended.

Why is it called a quarter panel?

1:435:59What Is A Quarter Panel? And How a Fender, Uniside, and ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe the factory seam goes up higher and cell panel. Like this one. And you can see this one is theMoreThe the factory seam goes up higher and cell panel. Like this one. And you can see this one is the same basic design you know goes into that front door jam area down in the rocker. Panel.

How much does it cost to replace a side panel on a car?

The panel itself usually runs between $800 and $1,000 and there are additional labor fees to remove the bed and install the new panel. Labor fees can vary depending on the shop, so call around and get a quote for your car body repair to get the best price.

How do you replace truck bed panels?

0:257:05Tips How To Replace A Pickup Truck Bedside Panel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnother thing you want to do is inspect the part for any damage that it may receive during shipping.MoreAnother thing you want to do is inspect the part for any damage that it may receive during shipping. And if you'll notice in this picture we did have a dent in it and.

What should metals be treated for?

Corrosion protection – Metals should be properly treated to protect them from corrosion. If your technicians aren’t doing this, they should be; if your techs are doing this, you should be charging for materials and for the time they spend on this procedure.

What happens when you disassemble a wrecked car?

When you disassemble a wrecked vehicle, the damage makes access to fasteners more difficult, so a quick pull or two may be required. Whether or not bent parts prohibit access to fasteners, vehicles may need to be anchored and pulled back to a roughly similar shape to the original OEM design.

Where is Paul Bailey?

He resides in Florida with his wife, Cathy.

Where is Martin's collision center?

Special thanks to Martin’s Collision Center in Copley, Ohio, for letting us disrupt their workday to photograph a quarter-panel-replacement in progress.

Is the time required to test fit and align parts included in the quarter panel replacement labor?

Since the recommended labor times are for the replacement of new, undamaged panels on new, undamaged vehicles, I’d say the time required to test fit and align parts isn’t included in the quarter panel replacement labor.

Is drill labor included in quarter panel replacement?

Drill labor – Not included in quarter panel replacement by any of the top three information providers, drill labor is additional labor. You should charge for the time necessary to drill spot welds when removing the damaged quarter and to drill holes on the replacement part for plug welds.

Does R&I labor include seat belts?

And then there are items that the estimating guides may overlook. One of the estimating guides doesn’t include or exclude R&I labor for the seat belts, speaker or sunroof drain tube if applicable. These items should be removed to avoid damage resulting from the cutting, grinding and welding that will take place nearby.

How much does a quarter panel cost?

Smaller panels can go for as low as $50, while larger ones can range anywhere from $100 to $1000.

What causes quarter panel damage?

Collisions and rust are the leading causes of quarter panel damage. Aside from the part’s compatibility with your vehicle’s specific year, make and model, there are a few things to keep in mind before purchasing a replacement quarter panel. These include the material, color, finish, installation difficulty.

What to consider before buying a new quarter panel?

Installation is a huge factor that you need to consider before buying a new quarter panel. Replacement of a quarter panel made out of sheet metal requires cutting it off from the vehicle. After this, a replacement quarter panel may be welded in place.

What is a fender panel?

A fender generally refers to a covering over the wheels. Cars, motorcycles, and bikes all have fenders that prevent mud and other road debris from splashing onto the rest of the vehicle. The quarter panel, on the other hand, refers to the panel located between the rear door and the trunk.

What causes rust on the inside of a quarter panel?

If these substances aren’t cleaned out from the vehicle’s body properly, rust can form along the inner lip of each quarter panel. Fluctuating temperatures, like the combination of the low temperatures of winter and the heat of the exhaust, can also contribute to the corrosion and wear of the quarter panel.

What is the best material to replace sheet metal?

Fiberglass, carbon fiber, or reinforced plastic quarter panels are durable enough to stand in for sheet metal quarter panels. These materials are also lightweight, which makes them ideal replacements for off-road applications. The best part about these materials is that they are not susceptible to corrosion and rust.

Where is the quarter panel located?

This panel is typically located between a rear door and the trunk and wraps around the wheel well.

Why use patch panels?

A benefit of using patch panels is that they allow retaining as much of the original sheetmetal as possible. This makes it easier to maintain the original body lines and gaps. When replacing an entire quarter-panel, setting the door and trunk gaps can be difficult.

Can quarter panel skins be hidden?

There may be hidden areas of rust that would only be revealed if the entire panel was removed. Quarter-panel skins can be your savior or your worst enemy if not installed properly. These skins are large panels that coverage a lot of surface area.

Where is rust on a car?

First is the location of the rust. Most rust forms in front of and behind the rear axle, as well as in the window frames. Many times you can find replacement panels for these areas.

Do quarter panel skins need welding?

They usually have the entire wheel lip and edges folded over on the ends that wrap around them as well. If you decide to replace the quarter-panel skins here are a few things to keep in mind. Skins require a lot of welding skill.

Can you repair a muscle car?

With the typical Detroit classic car now pushing over 40 years in age, tackling a musclecar restoration project almost always involves quarter-panel repair. Their large size and proximity to the rear tires makes quarter-panels very prone to dings, dents, and rust damage. Depending on the situation, you can patch the quarter-panels, install new skins, or replace the entire panel. All three of these options have benefits and drawbacks. As with any rust repair, taking the right steps and using the proper techniques will ensure long-lasting results.

Is body filler bad for welding?

You must take your time when welding, and go slow to keep the welds clean. Another drawback is that you will have body filler from end to end . Body filler is not a bad thing if done right and in moderation, but if you are looking to keep it to a minimum, a skin will increase the amount of filler required.

How much does it cost to fix a dent in a car?

The nice thing is, because the paint is not affected, PDR is also a relatively quick repair. Expect to pay between $50 and $150 for typical dents and dings. You can save money on some dent repairs if you do it yourself .

How much does it cost to refinish a bumper?

If the damage is slight, an auto body technician might be able to repair and refinish it for around $400. Severe damage will require replacement and refinishing, if the bumper cover isn’t pre-painted, which could cost up to $1,500 and beyond.

How much does it cost to repair a scratch on a paint job?

Depending on the depth of the scratches, and if there are dents and creases associated with them, repairing paint scratches could range from quick DIY repair – alcohol and a paint touch-up pen typically cost under $50 – to full professional refinishing.

How long does it take to repair an auto body?

Finally, the stress of getting into an accident or having your vehicle in the shop can affect job performance, home life, even your health! Some auto body repairs could take weeks , but keeping a good attitude during this time period can go a long way toward maintaining your sanity.

Why do cars have plastic bumpers?

To save weight, increase fuel economy, improve aerodynamics, and enhance pedestrian safety, most vehicles have switched from exposed metal bumpers to plastic bumper covers. They look good but are delicate, and even a 1 mph crunch or 5 mph “love tap” can dent or crack the bumper cover, even push it out of its mounting points. Many modern bumper covers include sensor technology, headlight washers, or intake or grille elements, so removal and installation add more time and labor.

How much is deductible on collision insurance?

The average insurance policy carries a $500 deductible, but this can range from $0 to $1,000, or more.

How much does it cost to repair a stone chip?

Depending on the severity of the damage, it might be repairable. Stone chips and stars might be repairable for just $50 per chip. An experienced auto-glass technician might be able to stop a small crack in its tracks for around $100.

What is the deductible for collision insurance?

Collision insurance has a deductible associated. The deductible is what you pay as part of the repairs. Here is a collision repair cost example, a common deductible amount is $500. That means if you had $1,500 worth of damage to your car, your insurance company would cut a check for $1,000 and you would need to pay the $500 balance.

How much does it cost to replace a bumper on a 2016 Toyota Camry?

Lisa Siembab with CARSTAR in Berlin, CT, estimates $350 to $450 to replace the bumper on a 2016 Toyota Camry.

How often can you have your windshield replaced?

The details vary by insurance company but most insurers allow you to have your windshield replaced once a year for a small deductible, or in some cases, no deductible at all.

What are the common auto body damages?

Dented bumper, deep paint scratches, cracked windshield, suspension damage and rear-end damage are some of the common auto body damages you may face.

How much does it cost to fix a car's body?

The Repair cost of a car's damaged body parts ranges between $50 to $1,5000 and more. Although, the cost also depends on the type of vehicle you drive. You will require collision coverage ...

How much does it cost to replace a bumper?

How much does it cost to replace a bumper? Pricing to replace a bumper ranges from a few hundred dollars for an average car to thousands of dollars on a high-end sports car.

What does it mean when you think you're pulling out of your parking space?

You're slowly pulling out of your parking space at the gym when you realize that what you thought was a puddle is in fact a patch of ice . Your brakes are useless and your car slowly glides into a telephone pole. Your rear bumper is scratched and dented.

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