Auto body repair & detailing: polyfil vs. new parts, spot welds, ford f150

Question
Hi! I have a 2004 Ford F150 FX4.  My husband was driving it last weekend and someone backed into him at a convenience store.  The damage is to the drivers side bed.  It is above the wheel and behind it.  We have two different estimates.  One wants to replace the side panel with a new one and reweld.  The other wants to pull the dent and use polyfil. He said that polyfil is not like bondo and that he doesn't drill a hole to pull the dent.  This is approx. $1,000.00 cheaper than the 1st estimate.  I tend to lean toward new parts, but I hear it's not good to break the factory weld.  What do you think?


Answer
I tend to lean with your opinion on new parts. They dont weld the new panel completly on any more only at strategic points. They acually glue the new panels on with a high strength two part mixture. Which is much better than the factory welds and makes it much less prone to rust than the factory spot welds because it comletly seals the seams together. If it is a high end shop thats how it will be done and should be done.
              Hope this helps
                 Brian