Question
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Followup To
Question -
Recently, our 17 year old son learned about cutting turns too sharply in my 2001 Chevy 1500 Silverado pickup while my wife and I were visiting friends. I’ve received estimates of $2700 and $3100 for complete repair. Unfortunately, our insurance company still remembers our 20 year old’s accident from ’04 making me extremely reluctant to get their attention again. This leaves out-of-pocket or lowering the cost through sweat equity. (Yes, son #2 will pay for the parts and be actively involved in the work.)
I’m fine with wrestling with stubborn parts, in-depth mechanical projects, and minor body shaping, but don’t want to wander where my limited welding skills will become a liability. I’ve had my son research the parts and they should run under $800 ( I also have every intention of leaving painting to the pros.)
You can view the damage at these three links:
http://img435.imageshack.us/img435/2084/2001chevyrvgatedamage001vm3.jpg
http://img435.imageshack.us/img435/4160/2001chevyrvgatedamage002yu0.jpg
http://img456.imageshack.us/img456/3268/2001chevyrvgatedamage003ex7.jpg
Apparently the fender comes as a unit with the inner bed which leads me to believe the assembly basically bolts in. True?
Would you recommend Bondo or lead after pounding out the pillar-trim dent?
Given my 30+ yrs. of successful driveway/backyard mechanical experience is this a doable father-son project or will I be opening a regrettable can of worms?
Thanks,
Geoff West
Glendale, AZ
Answer -
Thank you for the pictures that makes things so much better for me.The 1/4 panel is no longer bolted on pickup trucks and is welded in place.I would not recommend trying this repair youself,there is too many things that could go wrong and ruin a nice truck.As far as making a claim ,if you have not had one since 04 talk to your agent you should be ok for another one.Plan B ,son has extra job to pay for repairs, they gotta learn somehow.
Ernie,
Thanks for you fast response. Another poster has suggested using structural bonding adhesive as a way to get around my lack of welding expertise. (Though my son assures me he could handle the wire welding if I just buy one.) Obviously it is still a bunch of work, but that part doesn't bother me. Assuming we tear things apart carefully and are patient with placement, what do you think about the adhesive approach?
Thanks,
Geoff
AnswerThe manufacturers of the adhesives do not recommend attaching pickup 1/4 panels with adhesive.The way your 1/4 panel attches with the inner panel to the floor involves a lot of stress to the glue joint.Some 1/4 panels are just the outer skin such as Dodge and this method is acceptable.
