Need Advice - Repair or New panel

[kapscot]

I am just getting over a small accident in my garage which happened a few days ago. As I reversed, I hit an old grill we had in the garage. (Someone moved it!!).
Anyway, it damaged a 6 inch square area at the rear wheel arch.
I originally thought I would need a new panel, but I have heard that bodyshops can "melt/mould" a small area to look like new.
Is this correct? What would be best for my pride & joy?

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
While you can repair SMC panels, like your rear wheel arch area, the repair is only as good as the auto body mechanic that does the work.
So, with that, I would suggest that you check around the area for Corvette friendly body shops, and get their advice.
Normally, I would simply replace the panel, blend, and clear coat to match.
The rest is really a judgement call.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[platooka]

I had a about a 6" crack in my front fascia (most likely from some road deris or something) and a corvette friendly body shop in my area repaired the existing fascia and blended the paint and it looks perfect. Saved me $$ doing it that way as well.

As c4c5 specialist said, I would check around your area and get some opinions from shops in your area, but a repair of the area is definitely possible.

 

[kapscot]

Just checked (this morning) a local bodyshop. He started by saying that he could repair the small area and blend it in. I asked about a new panel. He checked the price $394 for the panel. With Labour and clearcoat etc it would be around $500. To 'repair' it would cost around $450. Looks like I'll go for the new panel. Also he has worked on Corvettes in the past.