Is my rear quarter panel repairable?

[awdfan]

hello all,

I backed into a concrete support beam at work, I’m trying to work out the best way to repair my issue

The first two body shops I received estimates from do not include a rear quarter panel replacement, they both saw the car in person too

Tesla’s body shop in Maryland suggested a rear quarter panel replacement

What are your thoughts?

 

[dendenyc]

See my post right above yours, I got hit same place and dealing with the repairs now. My repair shop said they can repair the quarter panel without replacement. YMMV

 

[OCN11a]

Tesla loves to replace panels. A good aluminum guy can probably fix it.

 

[SMAlset]

I thought I read from someone on here that the Model 3 rear panel was steel not aluminum and so was easier for the body shop to work with. Maybe someone can confirm that. Might explain why they think it doesn't need to be replaced though if true.

 

[glide]

Tesla loves to replace panels. A good aluminum guy can probably fix it.

Model 3 does not have aluminum panels.

 

[Msjulie]

It's a mix Tesla Model 3: here’s the alloy mix of the Model 3 body

Anything bent behind the bumper cover?

 

[KerryOH]

I hope it can be repaired. I had right rear quarter panel damage on my X and it took almost 4 months for the part to arrive at body shop. Luckily the car was drivable. Good luck.

 

[DNorris89]

Hey, Im a body shop estimator. pictures are tough to give an estimate by but as long as the metal isnt stretched (when you push on it it shouldnt feel like a soda can and flex) then I would say it can be repaired for sure. Just take it to a reputable body shop. Good Luck!

 

[Krugerrand]

There is no rear quarter panel on the Model 3. That is part of the body side panel. It is steel and they might be able to cut that section out and put in a new segment but it’s not a separate piece to begin with.

 

[Jaywlker]

See my post right above yours, I got hit same place and dealing with the repairs now. My repair shop said they can repair the quarter panel without replacement. YMMV

I’d bet a mortgage payment that it can be made brand-new looking without replacement.

 

[dendenyc]

I’d bet a mortgage payment that it can be made brand-new looking without replacement.

You're right, they repaired mine like new, no replacement, no bondo.

 

[E.Potter]

You're right, they repaired mine like new, no replacement, no bondo.

There is almost always bondo… may be a little, but they need it to smooth out the welds and panels

 

[natypes]

Hey, Im a body shop estimator. pictures are tough to give an estimate by but as long as the metal isnt stretched (when you push on it it shouldnt feel like a soda can and flex) then I would say it can be repaired for sure. Just take it to a reputable body shop. Good Luck!

How many hours we getting boss? lol I manage a shop and write estimates too. Cheers mate.

 

[Rawlings2019]

Any chance this can be repaired instead of a whole panel replaced. The panel replacement is quoted at 15k. I would rather have a good metal worker maybe cut, and bond it with new metal and repaint? Is that possible?

 

[E.Potter]

Probably is possible to cut that out and weld a new piece…