Rocker panel repair advice

[m3gunn]

I am super bummed this morning as I ran over a piece of metal trim in the HOV lane this morning. I managed to avoid hitting it on front driver tire, but it high the rear driver side causing deep gouge, dent to the rocker panel. My M3 is only 3 months old to make matters worse.

Has anyone gone through a similar repair? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[TLLMRRJ]

Nothing Model 3 or Tesla specific about that damage.

Dr Colorchip is for chips, not gouges, so I wouldn't go that route unless you are ok with a crappy repair.

You have an actual dent there too, not just a scratch. If you want it to look like new, you'll just need to take it to a body shop like any other car with this kind of damage.

 

[m3gunn]

Thanks TLLMRRJ, I am waiting for quotes from some local body shops.

 

[Smytty]

I am super bummed this morning as I ran over a piece of metal trim in the HOV lane this morning. I managed to avoid hitting it on front driver tire, but it high the rear driver side causing deep gouge, dent to the rocker panel. My M3 is only 3 months old to make matters worse.

Has anyone gone through a similar repair? Any advice is greatly appreciated.


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You could try a dent puller tool and paint touch up if you're handy and good with things like that.

Dent puller kit from Amazon - $31 https://www.amazon.com/ARISD-Paintl...ywords=dent+puller+kit&qid=1591375227&sr=8-11

 

[bpobill]

You could try a dent puller tool and paint touch up if you're handy and good with things like that.

Dent puller kit from Amazon - $31 https://www.amazon.com/ARISD-Paintl...ywords=dent+puller+kit&qid=1591375227&sr=8-11

Umm no, Won’t work on that.

Take it to a body shop for a proper fix. Or just use touch up paint for a mediocre fix.

 

[Chris88]

All I can say is that if you want it done right take it to a body shop. Especially a TABS as they would have a better idea on the R&I and OTU parts side of things.

If you want it done poorly and next to nothing then touch it up. Don't waste your money on a DIY PDR kit

 

[m3gunn]

I received quotes from various TABS around me and so far the estimates are ranging from $1100 - $3600. Big difference in price is whether or not they are going to pull the rocker / quarter panel prior to repair. If they pull the panel then they can remove dent as much as possible using a welding technique, which in then end will require less filler. My only worry is fitment issues after they put the panel back on.

 

[Chris88]

The rocker isn't removable and will be repaired on the vehicle. The welding or pin pulling technique is the proper way to repair it. A proper rough out will require less filler and help ensure a longer lasting quality repair. Industry standard requires no more than 1/8 inch of filler to be used, sadly this is often ignored by some shops or technicians.

Judging by the location of the damage you should have 0 concerns about the fitment after repairs. The damage to the dog leg is cosmetic.