I'd let them replace the body panel as well. Also be sure they check/replace the styrofoam type material that should be there to absorb some energy from a rear impact - if it was damaged.

Now might be the time to look into one of Norm's rear facias, too, if you're so inclined.

Good luck

 

I'd let them replace the body panel as well. Also be sure they check/replace the styrofoam type material that should be there to absorb some energy from a rear impact - if it was damaged.

Good luck

I agree, have the panel replaced. The shop would probably have to repaint the entire panel anyway.

 

Thanks 2K. Spoke to him on the phone yesterday!

 

Repair

I would go with what the body shop reccomends. They are the pros.

 

She was bumped in the rear and damaged the rear body panel and the fascia, it also tweak the exhaust a little to one side.

....the estimate. Replace the rear fascia, replace rear body panel, repair exhaust and paint time. I knew the fascia would have to be replaced but not the body panel.

My quandary is should I actually let them replace the panel?

To everyone who has seen the damage it only looks like it needs to be sanded and repainted. There is one spot that has a slight nick in it just below the license plate then the rest is just a 1 foot scrap that took the paint off.
Are they wanting to replace the whole thing because it's plastic?

I'm not sure if I should be saying "yah a whole new body panel" or "No don't replace it, what if the panel doesn't match and how long is it going to take to come in?".

They want me to bring it back up there in just a little while so they can look at it themselves and I would like to be able to tell them what I would prefer they do so any advice would help.

Could you please define your terms. I can't determine what it is you are asking.

I read it as, you are ok with them replacing the Rear Fasica and painting the replacement part, but the Rear Bumper Extension, which you must have had painted previously and are calling the rear body panel, you are not ok with them replacing and painting the replacement part.

Here is a picture of a Rear Fascia:

It appears the areas that you have described as damaged ("just below the license plate") are on this part.

 

Yes SD it is that whole entire rear bumper minus the "honeycomb fascia". The paperwork says "upper bumper cover" and "lower cover". My concern is in replacing the upper portion when it doesn't need to be replaced. I may be acting petty about it where some would be happy that the whole thing is being replaced I'm just worried that #1 it won't match (line up) with what is currently on it and #2 that it will take forever for the part to come in. The body shop say that it doesn't need to be replaced that they can repair it but the insurance co. had alloted funds for a replacement. What to do? I just don't know.

 

bumper

Not sure how common this is but I had a rear fender bender that caused no visible damage to the bumper cover but within a year the paint began to crack and peel. Pretty sure this was in connection with the fender bender, anyways had to have it replaced after all... this was on a sunfire, not my solstice. just an fyi

 

Kim,

A body shop will always re-paint an entire panel if any part of it is damaged, so from a paint perspective, there is no difference between repair and replace.

The part is most likely going to be from the OEM source, so fit should not be an issue. Neither would quality of the part.

The impact could have cracked the plastic, which may not be visible now, but could show up later.

Agree to the replacement, and ask them if you can keep the old part.

They should also include any custom painting in the repair.

 

I would let them replace it for one simple reason, as 2K stated there is crash absorveshion (sp - stuff that is suposed to crunch) behind that panel and they can't check it if they don't take it off.

 

Alright that is enough to convince me that I need to let them replace it. I've called them back and will be dropping it off on Monday.

Thanks everyone for your input and advice.

 

I suggest you have all the brackets checked when the rear bumper is off, to make sure none got bent.

When my '07 was new, the deck lid popped open (top down) while going over a RR track. It caused bent deck lid brackets, which in turn caused interference to the bumper fascia when I opened / closed the deck lid. The deck lid, brackets, and the rear bumper fascia all had to be replaced.