Paint matching, need new side panel.

[Mondo1287]

I backed into a concrete tree planter. It was only 1.5-2 feet high and didn't have a tree in it so I was completely oblivious to it being there. The side panel just in front on the rear wheel is very deeply scratched and it was pushed inward a couple of inches, basically right on top of the Vtec decal. I'm guessing they'll end up replacing the whole panel, but either way has anyone's 06-07 civic had paint work done on it? I have a Galaxy Grey Si. I'm really worried that they will not get the paint right. Does anyone think I'd be better off taking it to the dealership rather than using a reputable body shop that is in the insurance company's network (I'm not required to)? Does the dealer have the actual original paint or would they have to match it as well?

Pic:

[shiftology]

doubt they would replace it. i don't know about gg, but my nbp is near flawless after hit n run fix.

[kuziken]

dude...bro....this is the last color on earth you wanna paint match....i had a good friend of mine paint my girls hood front bumper and fender....paint didnt match for a dang.....he redid it and used the gg paint and then added his own lil mix into it.....its pretty darn close now but you can still slightly tell at the fender to the pillar next to the windshield.....all i can say is good luck

[Mondo1287]

I'm not sure if they will either, but the scratches are really deep. I basically drove the side of the car into it as I pulled forward after backing up (the planter is round if that makes sense). I'd say the scratches are more than halfway through the panel and it's bent up pretty badly, not a uniform dent at all. We're talking rough concrete here. I don't really care what they do, though, as long as it looks like it did before.

[Mondo1287]

Originally Posted by kuziken

dude...bro....this is the last color on earth you wanna paint match....i had a good friend of mine paint my girls hood front bumper and fender....paint didnt match for a dang.....he redid it and used the gg paint and then added his own lil mix into it.....its pretty darn close now but you can still slightly tell at the fender to the pillar next to the windshield.....all i can say is good luck

That's what I'm afraid of, I think I read your post earlier on that. I think I'll go ahead and use a shop approved by the insurance company since the insurance company will guarentee the work. If it's not right hopefully I can just make them redo it until they get it right.

[Car78412]

Whatever you do, Don't use the dealership body shop. They will do a quick cheap repair. Find a reputable body shop who specializes with matching paint. Your insurance company my balk about paying for it but thats between the body shop and the insurance company. By law the insurance company must pay for repairs by a body shop chosen by you the customer. At least thats how it works in NY. Good luck

[Mondo1287]

Yeah I chose one of the local shops in the insurance company's network. I figure they will do the job right and the insurance company takes care of everything. If it's not right the insurance company will make them redo it.

[dorkiedoode]

what do you think about MARCO'S AUTO BODY?

[dorkiedoode]

Cause my car has the same damage but more under then your and it not as bad. the dealer quote me 1grand.

[07civicex]

OK, I work at a body shop as an estimator:

First, you could repair you quarter panel in under 6 hours- you wouldnt want that replaced even if your insurance would let you. Because: when you replace a quarter panel, you have remove back glass, side glass, blend the trunk lid. not only that but when you replace a qtr panel, your car will get filled with bondo dust because they have to unweld the whole panel...on and on and on.... trust me you want that panel repaired

Second as for the color match: they should blend your front door, and they wont color the whole qtr- they should color just the bottom of the qtr and blend within that panel and clear the whole thing. Also , they need to remove your qtr glass to clear under it.

good luck

[dvdkendrick]

I work as an auto insurance adjuster and what 07civicex is right on the money-that quarter would never get replaced anyway. That color is hard to match but w/ the blending into the door and refinishing within the quaterpanel, you won't be able to tell

[Mondo1287]

Cool, thanks guys.

[dorkiedoode]

Originally Posted by 07civicex

OK, I work at a body shop as an estimator:

First, you could repair you quarter panel in under 6 hours- you wouldnt want that replaced even if your insurance would let you. Because: when you replace a quarter panel, you have remove back glass, side glass, blend the trunk lid. not only that but when you replace a qtr panel, your car will get filled with bondo dust because they have to unweld the whole panel...on and on and on.... trust me you want that panel repaired

Second as for the color match: they should blend your front door, and they wont color the whole qtr- they should color just the bottom of the qtr and blend within that panel and clear the whole thing. Also , they need to remove your qtr glass to clear under it.

good luck

i agreed with what you said, that exactly what my dealer told me. but they are just too darn expensive right now.