Pillar damage and repair times

Very cool, thank you.

 

i think so. there's no way high strength steel like that can be properly repaired. who knows if it would be safe in a crash after the repair. that would be your argument. you probably wouldn't even need to go to court. as soon as your lawyer sends them a letter, they'd probably try to settle. i think the lawyer fees would be much cheaper than paying for rental cars for months as long as it doesn't actually go to court.

 

Did they cut out the old pillar and weld in a new one? It sure looks like.

 

Because it's high strength steel. Where the damage is located they can't get behind it to straighten the metal correctly. They can't ensure the burn back or paint is going to be ok on the back side. Sounds like this shop knows what it's doing and doesn't want to be responsible for a crappy repair. Most shops would fix that and keep it moving. Sounds like this shop actually cares about a proper repair.

I own 3 vehicles just for myself. I worked in the auto body industry for 15 years. After seeing people cry about rental cars every week, I learned it's smart to own more than 1 vehicle.

 

This is my first time in this situation. Had I known I would have bought a beater. It’s less about crying about rentals and more about the pain of pissing away 2 grand (and counting) on having to rent. But it’s a lesson I’m learning the hard way. I’ve had people tell me that this fix makes that area of the truck weaker. And it diminishes the value. I hope these things aren’t true, but I’m not experienced in it.

 

The point about crying about rentals is I recommend anyone to own a 2nd or 3rd vehicle. Vehicle repairs happen, new or old.

My 2022 civic was just at the dealer for 3 weeks getting it's steering rack replaced, under warranty. I didn't even sweat it since I own multiple vehicles.

 

Filler on a pillar, no bueno

 

You can’t repair high strength steel. For one, it literally doesn’t want to move because it’s so strong. Two, if you were able to repair it, it wouldn’t react the same in a crash.

Also, filler is just there to smooth out where it’s welded in before paint. It has no effect on strength.

 

yes, that is what it looks like.
I am not saying it is, or it isn't safe, but what I would suggest is contacting your insurance company with your concerns, and see what they say. When you do, ask them for an email address, so you can ask your question and save/document their response. They will already know what you are doing,,, but remember,, they'd do it to you too.

 

Toyota sells those parts. I've seen manuals and tech docs from manufacturers before that specifically detail how things are intended to be repaired. I'm sure Toyota has them too and as long as they followed those procedures, you should be good.

Examples of those parts on sale: https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota....-trd-off-road--3-5l-v6-gas/body--hinge-pillar