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Got a deep ding from a big rig.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by TinaWilcox, Feb 11, 2023.

  1. TinaWilcox

    TinaWilcox Junior Member

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    I have a photo of it.

    My hope if that it not cost a fortune to hammer out, rather than costing a fortune to replace the panel. Any estimates? Any suggestions? It's a 2007.
     
  2. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Welcome to PriusChat!!
    Please "copy and paste" the photo into the reply field.

    FYI : you're moderated until you've posted 5 times.
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  3. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Look for a PDR specialist. That is Paintless Dent Repair. You will find many in Southern California, and there's healthy competition, some are even mobile and will work on it in your driveway or office parking lot.

    In a nutshell, they have a weird skill. They use bizarre specialty hammers, dry ice, suction cups, heat and forbidden magic to make dents pop back out without having to replace panels or repaint anything. The results aren't always perfect, but they are always cheaper.

    Good luck!
     
  4. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Not likely that the "paintless" process will work with a "deep" ding as the paint is probably damaged.

    Get an estimate from a Toyota body shop.
    Then visit a couple of independents.

    Toyota will probably want to replace the whole body panel.
    A good independent probably can fix it for 1/4 what Toyota will charge.......or less.
     
  5. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    I cannot see it . But if it's not hitting wheel strut etc . Drive on . If wheels hitting ground straight . We're rolling that beyotch.. everything should be pushed inward so nothing should be sticking out able to catch anything or damage the public You should be good to go at least I would be here.
     
  6. pasadena_commut

    pasadena_commut Senior Member

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    Which panel? If it is a front fender you can probably find one (eventually) in a junk yard with the same color, then just replace the damaged one. Same deal for doors and hoods. The rest of the body metal isn't so easy to replace.
     
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Have you used a body shop in past, any go-to place? Judging from your question I’m thinking no and no, or at least not for sometime.

    If that’s the case, Google body shops in your area, check reviews, contact a few and see what they say; get quotes.

    Consider too how each one comes across; do they seem conscientious, candid, and so on. How does the place look. Oh, and price lol.

    it’ll likely be at least a grand, that’s how it is. And they should “blend”, make it seamless: they paint the damage zone, then go beyond, gradually thinning out the paint.
     
    #7 Mendel Leisk, Feb 12, 2023
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2023
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  8. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    The car is drivable?