MINI Cooper Collision Repair Advice

[Felix]

Due to a minor "incident” my wife had with her new Cooper S this weekend, the right rear quarter panel has a pretty good dent with some considerable creasing, so it’ll be more work than just pulling the dent out. A shop I trust recommended two auto body places: Shop A with skilled craftsmen who will repair it to like-new if possible and Shop B that will just pull the panel and replace it. He recommended that latter if I were going through my insurance company (which I am), as it would be much more $$$.

Before making that decision to file a claim, I took it by Shop A. The advice of the head guy there was that he’d like to see the existing panel worked back into shape. His explanation was since it’s a convertible, to cut out and put in a new panel would compromise the structural integrity of the car. Unless it could be easily removed by unbolting or drilling out the spot welds.

Does that sound like good advice? Am I better off with a new panel? I have pics at home, but the general idea is that the dent starts right at the rear of the passenger door and ends and the top of the rear wheel well.

Thanks for the help.

 

[brownbear]

if it is workable to pull the dent, I think that is the best choice too. If they could unbolt the area and bolt on a new panel that is favourable.

I would not want it welded on. Get a third opinion too. See what another shops says. Also see if you can get some tech advice from the Cooper dealership or rep.

 

[Bob_Garrett]

If the panel is welded on, which is likely, it was probably done using robots and it will be very hard to match that in a body shop. It won't affect the appearance or function but may be noticed by a prospective buyer when you try to sell it.