repair or replace panel part 2

[CWilson]

Well I took the car to a couple more bodyshops and so far its a 50/50 split to replace the panel. I Figured I'd do a little work and see how bad it is myself.

The panel gap for the deck lid closed slightly as seen in this picture.



I took out the reflector looking for damage and found this.



It looks like a hydrolic ram could push out the corner of the fender until the sealer closed, repairing the gap problem. It could then be resealed.

I also wanted to see the damage to the bumper and wheel so I attacked it with sand paper and rubing compound and there is now no trace the accident ever happened.



So now I am wondering if I should take the money they are offering and get the fender repaired and paint to the top of the decklid to rocker pannel, keeping the difference as an unofficial diminished value payment. At $42 an hour (Inskip Porsche rate) can that be done for less than $1000. Without respraying the entire car there is no way the paint will be a perfect match anywhere so why not use that money to fund other projects?

Again any advice is appreciated.