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Urgent advice needed

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by David Brown, Oct 8, 2014.

  1. David Brown

    David Brown New Member

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    #1 David Brown, Oct 8, 2014
    Last edited: Oct 13, 2014
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Depending on where you live, you may be able to find used parts that are OEM quality and painted the same color.
     
  3. David Brown

    David Brown New Member

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    #3 David Brown, Oct 9, 2014
    Last edited: Oct 13, 2014
  4. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Check out autobeyours.com for replacement used parts.
    The owner Steve Woodruff (sp?) has a sterling reputation. He does say though that parts are sold 'ready to be painted.'
     
  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    1. When you remove the original fender, you may find that the underlying support is bent which will require some work to make straight.
    2. It would be better to buy a used fender if you can find one because the fit of aftermarket body parts can be suspect. For example you may have difficulty achieving narrow and consistent gaps between the fender and the front door, as well as the hood.
    3. What about the black plastic underliner? Does that need to be replaced?
     
    Mendel Leisk and valde3 like this.
  6. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    Hmmmm.
    This is a wobbler for me.
    Normally I would say just get the aftermarket piece since you're only spending $350 on the paint and the car is already 6 years old.
    The panel is just something to hold the paint in place and it's not like it's going to materially affect the overall value of the car either way.

    However (comma!) I get a warning light in my mind's eye about an $80 body panel that's (wink-wink!) "just as good as the factory one."
    I'd probably be tempted to either get a used or new OEM panel. Don't try to match the color unless this car is a real beater and it just won't matter very much about having a two-toned G2. That way you can at least lean on the car without it crumpling like aluminum foil.
     
  7. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    That's a shame. The good:
    1) you can paint the whole fender pretty easily
    2) there are many used fenders available and I'll bet there's a ton in Houston

    The bad:
    1) there is likely more damage than just the fender

    I recommend calling around to the local salvage yards and finding one that way. Once you find one, take the car apart and see what's damaged (besides the fender) and get those parts from the same place.
     
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  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Just to chime in with the cautionary advice above: that's quite a dent, could well be underlying misalignment of the car's structure. I'd get the pros on it, do it right.
     
  9. David Brown

    David Brown New Member

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    #9 David Brown, Oct 9, 2014
    Last edited: Oct 13, 2014
  10. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Since the fender is not a moving mechanical part, I would think OEM or Other...would NOT affect performance.

    I would guess your concern would be based on cosmetics or aesthetics. More of that would really come down to the quality of the paint job. You really want to make sure whomever paints it, knows what they are doing. OEM or Aftermarket, if the paint doesn't match, you'll notice that.

    Looking at your picture, I too would be concerned about the possibility of more damage. That is a deep dent.

    Since it can be a safety issue, I think you cannot afford to NOT have it checked out. You want to make sure the damage IS only skin deep, if you are going to try to apply ONLY skin deep solutions.

    Unfortunately the minute you roll it into a body shop, the cost of evaluation and potential repair start to increase.

    My experience with most body shops is that they want you to commit to total repair, and the general response it that they can't tell you "everything" until they start removing parts and looking closer. Even for the most superficial, cosmetic damage $1200 plus can easily be reached and even rapidly exceeded.

    I don't know the personal and financial dynamics here, but since this "family member" is responsible for the damage, is it possible they would cover repair? Seems like you are trying to fix a problem, you did not cause.

    I hope you can find a safe and acceptable resolution that fits your budget...and barring that, I think you need to send some "guys" over to the family members house to encourage them to become responsible for the damage they created.
     
  11. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    The only other place for OEM parts is the dealer (which will be expensive). I saw a couple on Ebay but not in your color. The problem with ordering it from Ebay is, if there's more damaged than just the fender (very likely), you won't be able to get those parts in addition to the fender.

    As for is there other damage, how does the car drive??? That's the best indicator. You could take it to an independent collision specialist and have them check it but, its hard to trust them because they're out to make money.
     
  12. Chris54

    Chris54 Junior Member

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    This is why I hate letting anyone else drive my cars,.... Good luck with an inexpensive repair.
     
  13. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    You can't tell for sure until you remove the damaged fender.
    Superstar Auto - near the airport - is listing a 2007 silver right fender.
    1017 Aldine Mail Rd. 281-448-0186 ( call for price )

    Can the damage be repaired using suction cup type dent puller or body filler and / or putty - and paint?
     
    #13 vvillovv, Oct 9, 2014
    Last edited: Oct 10, 2014
  14. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    opps -- grrrrrr
     
    #14 vvillovv, Oct 10, 2014
    Last edited: Oct 10, 2014
  15. David Brown

    David Brown New Member

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    #15 David Brown, Oct 10, 2014
    Last edited: Oct 13, 2014
  16. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    True, if not the same color as your car. I figured if you could get a decent fender the same color as yours for that price it might be worth a shot.
    It's hard to say from a distance. But at least now you have a few estimates to work with.
     
  17. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    If they can do it for $400, I'd get 'er done.
     
  18. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    does this indicate a problem houston?(n)