Auto body repair & detailing: wrecked outer door panel, door skin, replace panel

Question
I just wrecked the passenger door or my 2005 Chevy Equinox. The door shell it not damaged (just the outer panel) and the rocker.  Do you think it would be cheaper (and look better) to try and have the outer panel replaced or have the LARGE dent (and paint scratches) repaired.  The molding is also badly scratched.  Also, how difficult is it to remove and replace the outer panel?

Answer
Hi Linda,

This is not really my area of expertise but I think I might be able to answer your question. I do believe it would be cheaper and would look better to replace the outer door skin. Typically door skins are spot welded on from the factory. To replace this would require the technician to drill out the spot welds that were put in from factory and the skin could then be pried off the door shell. To replace a new door skin you can either spot weld it back in or what is much simpler and quicker is to glue it back on using 3M's Panel Bond Adhesive. Here are some links to give you an idea of some items that will be needed for this repair:

http://www.repaintsupply.com/pd_premium.cfm

http://www.repaintsupply.com/pd_automix_panel.cfm