Body parts ID

My Taco got side swiped in the right rear and creased the fender, deep scrapes in it half way from the rear to the middle of the wheel well. The insurance is paying for a new fender and the shop quoted this on the estimate. I stopped in to get my phone cable from it and they were fixing the old one! After talking to him he said they would get a new one on order. My question is how can i tell if he did put a new one on it? Do they stamp the VIN in original body parts?

 

I would have discreetly marked in in an obscure spot so you can check when it's done.
Use a new Sharpie or a paint marker. Doesn't need to be anything more than an "X" or a check mark.

 

It's already in the shop

 

So they were already in the process of fixing it and said they will just order a new one.


doubt it. whos going to pay for that.

 

Well if it looks too good to be repaired, does it matter?

 

I also doubt they will order a new one. Sounds like some sort of scam to me. If you look underneath, you should be able to tell if the entire fender is new, or if they just hammered out the dents caused by the scrapes & then used bondo to smooth out the outside. Good luck.

Or, you can tell the shop that you want to be called when they are ready to install the new fender, and see what they say. Of course, you WILL need to go see for yourself.

 

Have to look at the shops estimate. If they also have replace on their estimate and they are repairing. That's highly illegal in my state.

VIN should be stamped on top of the fenders inside the engine bay. Like below:

 

So fixing panels is cutting corners?

im confused by your whole comment, just because they are fixing it instead of replacing it doesnt really mean they are "cutting corners" i feel like we are missing parts of this story.

op are you sure the estimate actually stated RR rear fender? To me a crease and deep scratches dont really merit replacing a whole box side.

 

Demand all old/damaged parts. That were called out for replacement.

 

Does your state give you the right to inspect replaced parts?
If so call them and let them know you want to inspect the replaced parts.
Be prepared to talk to your insurance company if they didn't replace it.

 

Yeah, Replace right rear bed side part#65500044550 $866.91 3.3 hours labor