Dented in Columbus

[ImBuggin]

I was just checking in to see if anyone has, or knows of anyone, who has repaired a rocker panel on the new beetle. I have been checking around and the part is fairly inexpensive - $40 online and $78 from a dealer - but I still really don't know if the part is welded on somewhere or just bolted and then body filled around the back panel and door jam. If anyone has any advice, please give me any!

I guess I am just bummed about the dent in my bug

Thanks,
ImBuggin

[Lnzbug]

I've got a dented rocker panel also so I know how you feel.

[Growler]

If you are in Columbus, OHIO first of all, WELCOME!


second of all, I reccomend Dodds Bodyworks in Reynoldsburg
at the Corner of Main St (rt40) & Brice Rd, behind the Walgreens. (suprise suprise!, a walgreens on a main intersection.. )

That panel is welded on and painted to match the car. as you found out it is basically a long tin can with no structure inside it.

Good luck!

and we should get together sometime! (of course, this is only if you are in Columbus Ohio )

[ImBuggin]

Thanks Growler, I am in Columbus, OH! Reynoldburg is within reach, but I guess I didn't figure that cosmetic panels were the realm of the "body doctor."

I posted in the "paint and body" section as well and heard essentially the same reply. I guess I am still trying to use all the tools at my disposal. I have a mig and a body person who can spray the part (before or after as required), I just wanted to pro bono the labor. If this shop in Reynoldsburg is reasonable, it is probably worth the headache of a bigger mistake.

Thanks for the input!

Oh, Inzbug, sorry about that dent. It really "bugz" me to look at it knowing that I did it myself. Hope yours doesn't hurt you so.

[Bugman]

aaron we need to have a gtg soon , im going into the winter withdrawl ,,need a new beetle fix
what ya say a quaker steak and lube gtg .. or maybe city bbq

[Growler]

Originally Posted by Bugman

aaron we need to have a gtg soon , im going into the winter withdrawl ,,need a new beetle fix
what ya say a quaker steak and lube gtg .. or maybe city bbq

setup a date and Im sure I can make it with enough time ahead to prepare.

start us a thread Jerry, you probably have the hardest schedule to deal with.

[ImBuggin]

I'm for QuakerSteak...Just down the road for me, but I don't have much to offer, just a good time and a bug.

[ImBuggin]

I have had words with some body shops and have come to this conclusion: the cost to have the panel repaired (pulled and filled and painted) is $737.47, the cost to have it replaced is about the same...

I am not amused as the book allows for around 12 hours of labor for either.

To replace the panel, it takes some time, a welder, a power wire brush, a spot weld drill tool, some body adhesive, paint, primer, and a good day or two. I think I will try it and do my best to document it for those of you who have the same problem (stemming from the damage from inproper use of lifts). It probably won't be for a couple of months as the weather here in Ohio has not yet broke, but I will continue this endeavor for all those who want to know why they can bill so much.