body panel replacement

jfb · 10-04-2002, 03:40 PM

I was wondering if you can just replace the body panels on the doors, or do you need to replace the whole door. I have a 01 SL2. Also how difficult would it be?

Joey: I'm also curious what a panel or door would cost? I would need a green front passenger door panel that doesn't have any scratches.

The reason I'm curious is because I scratched the front passenger door, and I'm trying to decide if it would be cheaper to get it repainted or just replace the body panel.

adam92sl · 10-04-2002, 04:38 PM

Be careful. It depends on the scratch. You may not get the color you want and most likely it won't be a color match. Your car is relatively new so you have to factor that into the equation. A paint job with sanding of one panel is probably in the magnitude of $400. It will probably be similar to a used panel and painting to color match. Good luck. Also be careful taking off the door skin. Its easy but it can drive you nuts taking it off and putting it on, they do crack if bent wrong. Personally, if you don't care about a serious color match because you plan on keeping the car for another 5 years then I would wait out for the green panel. I think Joey would respond better to a direct email for pricing.

jfb · 10-04-2002, 09:23 PM

i got a couple of quotes when it first happened, and they ranged from 200 to almost 400. I didn't get it done then though because I was afraid if I had it done I wouldn't have enough money for school, but it turns out I would have gotten it done. I've also contemplated trying to fix it myself, but I've never done anything like it before.

Joeybagodonuts · 10-05-2002, 01:24 PM

a door skin can be painted off the car for as little as 100.00 or LESS, check out maaco, they paint whole cars for 250.00, granted not show qauilty, but for one panel they do a damn fine job and if it doesnt come out right? you tell them to paint it again, without paying extra.
ill check for a match, we neve rpromise or guarantee color but will asssit when we can, send me an email, door skins are only about 75-100.00, if theres an frame/shell damage then yes, you would need the door, im going to be at the show all weekend but ill catch yuor email on monday, thansk, joey

adam92sl · 10-07-2002, 06:38 PM

Joey's got good stuff.....

I forgot also, I once scratched my door skin pretty deep. Actually both skins. The car was sanded and repainted. Well the thing five years later starts to bubble up. So maybe a panel is the way to go.

jfb · 10-07-2002, 10:59 PM

the scratch on my panel is just the paint...down to either the skin or the primer...it didn't gouge the panel any