Bondo VS Door Skin

If you followed my "Parking Lot Party" thread, I have recently got into an accident. In short, an irresponsible college kid backed into my truck damaging the driver's side door. The estimate on the damages is right at $730 with the use of Bondo/body filler. It's a quality shop that I've used before, so I'm not concerned on their work ethic. They're going to have to pull out the rocker panel that has been pushed in, pop out several dents, along with new paint and clearcoat. My question is: should I pay for a new/oem doorskin or let them use Bondo for the repair. The shop refurbished my fender flares and I was astonished at the work. What do you guys think? My concern is the Bondo cracking/failing as the years go by. Any input is appreciated!

EDIT: Spelling

 

Why in the world would You have to pay anything for some one else running into your truck?

Allow the college kid learn how to be responsible. Let him pay for the new door skin.

Properly applied Bondo will not crack or pop off under normal use, ever. I would pass on the Bondo if possible and get the door skinned or replaced.

You should not have to pay regardless of which choice you make.

 

I'm not paying for the Bondo/repair. I filed it on my insurance and he should be doing the same. The report ruled it as his fault, so I'm not under any obligation to pay. The thing is I would probably have to pay for the extra cost on a new door skin considering it would be more money than repairing the current damage. Or is there another way I should go about this?

 

You shouldn't be paying for it Bondo or Door Skin. It wasn't your fault it was his. I would get the door skinned and let him or his insurance company pay it. There wasn't bondo before he hit it, there shouldn't be any after it is repaired. There is no extra cost that you should pay. Man up dude.

 

Oh I totally agree, I shouldn't have to pay for either. I figured the insurance is trying to get the lowest price as possible. So I should just get another estimate for a door skin and send them the bill?

 

That is what I would do. I would not accept Bondo.

 

Okay, I'll check into it. Thank you!

 

Everything he said.

 

That metal is pretty stretched, and the truck is black. That could mean thicker bondo and sanding scratches showing through. But, it is a 2007, and the damage is low on the side without a lot of major creasing. If they can flatten it out and keep the bondo thin, I don't see an issue with it. A skin is preferred, but most skins show up with little dings in them and require a little bondo anyway.

 

I would think a little Bondo wouldn't hurt. Considering how much is probably going to have to be used on this skin, it would be worth the effort to try and get a new one.

 

If the repair can be done with thing skin of filler they won't pay for a new skin. You will have to pay the difference.

 

That's what I'm afraid of, but we will find out.

 

Done correctly the filler will probably outlast the truck. Probably. Accept nothing less than a new door skin. If the insurance doesnt agree do not accept their offer. Call and write to your State Insurance Commissioners office and file a complaint. Its amazing how quickly some auto insurance companies change their mind when they get an inquiry from the Commissioners office. Even when the insurance company is technically within their rights.

 

Thank you! I'll check with the insurance whenever I can get a hold of them. If not, I'll go from there.

 

My first post but.... I'm a body man of 10 years. I'd want a new skin for sure, if the intrusion beam inside the door is damaged then that justifys replacing the entire door, and if they go that route then make sure the tech seam seals the door as new Toyota panels don't come seam sealed most of the time. In most cases its up to the shop (shop estimator and body tech) to decide what's best, if the shop demands a new skin, 90% of the time the insurance company will pay. Almost all the initial estimates that insurance adjusters write will be re written once disassembled . make the shop work for what's best for your truck

 

The body shop I went to earlier said that a new skin isn't necessary. He said it can be fixed, but he just did a visual inspection. He didn't take off the inside panel or anything. The individual who backed into me hasn't had the insurance company contact me yet. What all do I need to tell them besides what happened at the scene. Do I demand a new skin or just give them the body shop I went to estimate? Or do I need to get a quote on a new skin?

 

Tell them you want a new skin or just wait for them to Bondo it and then tell them you are not happy with how it looks and you want it redone. They hit your truck and you want it fixed they way you want it. I have been in more than my fair share of accidents and I always get what I want since it wasnt my fault.

 

Okay, I'll demand for a new skin considering they hit me. I'll talk with the shop and see what the estimates are for the new skin, so I can have the price ready.

 

Did you get the other guys insurance info? And have a police report done on the accident? If the shop says they can repair the panel and you trust their work then I'd say go for it as long as the big reinforment beam isn't damaged. I'd also ask for pics of the door after the metal work was complete before the filler was wiped on it. That way you know they just didn't cave and pave. A few things to worry about new skins.... Even though you got a new skin more than likely the tech will have to skim a small amount of filler around the edges because the skins hammer on. If he doesn't use panel bond on the inner part of the skin and door shell you could have corrosion issues later on. And if the tech is lazy, the seam sealer on the inside of the door jamb may look like junk...

 

Also, if they do repair it over skinning it. Make sure they de trim the door like the handle, emblem,mirror, belt molding and window channel. Nothing like having a a shop tape stuff up that they should pull off to do the job right