Auto body guys...

Fellas. This is just the outer skin were talking about. It is not any thicker or stronger than the sheet metal anywhere else in the truck! We aren't dealing with the inner structure here. Yes the body line is turned inside out but is really not a big problem. Stud guns are a thing of the past. They are for the diy guys. I guarantee I could damn near metal finish that dent in under an hour. From an insurance perspective there is no company that would pay to replace that panel for that dent!

 

Thanks!

 

Some careful prep of surfaces and color matched blending, 99.8% of the driving population will never notice it.

 

Good to hear, funny how many different opinions there are here. I’ll let you guys know how this plays out.

 

Honestly the hardest part of the whole job is matching Toyota's rock guard texture!

 

If your not sure about what's involved, go to a body shop and get an estimate. I'm sure they will answer any questions you have.

 

Take it to a couple of known good body shops and get descriptions of the work they'd do and estimates and let us know.

Remember, if you protect the metal properly to prevent rust, you can always have it professionally done at a later date.

 

Needs touch up paint and rock sliders

 

Definitely start with getting estimates from reputable body shops. No one knows your situation, some have great insurance, no accidents, and the damage costs much more than instanetz guesses. Some have shitty insurance, a shitty driving record, and don't give a fork if they're nearly new vehicle has damage,,,,, and everything in between.

 

From the picture, the metal looks torn. It’s not a DIY paint it and forget.

 

I agree with that estimate but I wouldn't blend it. If I would do it I would color match and paint it seam to seam.

 

Bed line the bottom 6” of the whole truck and put slides on.

 

No tear just paint flake

 

Quotes in. All around $1200. I think I’m just gonna sand her down, put some 4V6 color match on it with some clear coat, then throw on sliders. Doubt anyone would notice it unless it was pointed out.

 

Might as well put that money toward sliders!

Good choice OP

 

A lot of body shops just replace panels. The Wreck Room in Helena will actually work with the metal and pull the dent. It'd be worth giving them a call and sending the pictures to see what they could do.

 

As much as I hate dents, I would probably do the same. Its in such a lower area and its pretty small. I would sand, paint, and blend it in and not give it another thought.

One thing you should do though is to pull one of the rubber plugs in the rocker panel and spray the backside of the dent with fluid film. If there is any cracked paint on the inside, it will rust from the inside out.

 

Decision being made... anybody know of some HIGH profile sliders? Want to cover it up as much as possible. Looks like the standard ones would run right underneath it.

 

25 degree with kickout RCIs may cover it.

 

BAMF 20° sliders