What's the Best Way to Repair This Rocker?

Crachian · 09-15-2003, 12:59 PM

I'm probably going to fix my accident-damaged 89 coupe rather than part it out. It's this one.

What do you think is the best way to fix this dented inner rocker panel. I understand this is not a structural piece, but is it better to cut it out and weld in a new one, or simply pull it out and use filler to make it pretty?

TMH · 09-15-2003, 01:06 PM

Ah, the Ditch Witch. I remember that one. I thought that your friend might be fixing it - Weren't they driving at the time of its 'incident'?

Tom

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

Use a stud gun to pull the dents out; grind, fill paint

Rot 911 · 09-15-2003, 01:19 PM

What Thom said. If you cut out the old piece and weld in a new one you will still have to grind, fill and paint.

Harlan Chinn · Harlan Chinn's Garage

A good restoration or body shop would pull out the dented panel. They would either weld metal pull tabs or use a panel puller, then the panel would be restored with minimal filler material. There is no need to cut out a dented panel unless it was dented beyond repair or was rusting out.

Crachian · 09-15-2003, 02:30 PM

Yep, the ditch witch. I like that. Yes, he's on the hook, and I'm soliciting advice with which to properly repair the car.

Harlan Chinn, I PM'd you with some questions regarding your recent repaint. And how's the stoneguard working out for you?

CHILI · CHILI's Garage

Not really on-topic for the repair question, but did the Insurance company say it was going to be a salvage, and that's why you are asking this question? Thinking about buying it back after you get the check and fixing it (or as much as possible) yourself? Just curious.

Crachian · 09-15-2003, 09:56 PM

Actually, I haven't been all the way down that path yet. I cannot characterize the insurance company in too perjorative a manner, but ultimately, yes, they should pay something probably less than a full repaint. After the wreck, an insurance adjuster, who told me "there's nothing wrong with bondo" when I balked at repairing a very wavy door, flatly refused to make a second trip to see my car after I pointed out several things he had missed. These were big things like the valance. Their strategy (if there are any professional adjusters out there please correct me if I'm wrong) appeared to be to get the repair underway and then nickel and dime me on the "supplements." I'm not going to do that, and I told them that. Do I sound paranoid?

So, at this point, I'm marshalling my evidence, drafting my demand letter and preparing to go to war. Meanwhile, I'm fixing my car. The insurer's initial valuation of my car (89 Coupe, 72k, nice car) was $19k, salvage value about $2300. I paid substantially more than that for the car a year ago, and while I realize prices have plummeted on the broad market, I have seen very few 89 or even 88 coupes in nice condition even on the market, let alone advertised for anything below 25k. I'm sure they're out there, but not many.

I'm not fixing it myself, only signing the checks. It hurts already.