Disaster - rear-ended by hit and run driver

[thstone]

Sorry for your loss. Definitely a total loss here in the States. Hope you get something just as nice or better to replace it.

Originally Posted by itsnotanova

A good body man should be able to replace that 1/4 panel and have it good as new.

Please note that the rear quarter panels are not bolt on fenders like the fronts. Instead the rear quarter panel is part of the entire side of the car (it is seamless from the rear fender to the door opening and continues along the bottom splash panel under the doors to behind the front fender. This is done to add body strength because its a convertible with no roof structure).

The repair shop will have to plasma cut the rear quarter panel out (including creating a cut in the lower splash panel beneath the doors) and then custom cut a similar replacement piece and weld back in. Its not a trivial job but can be accomplished by a competent body shop.

Does the driver's door still work ok or has the door opening shape changed? Is there any change in how the top sits - is it bowed up at all? If so, then the chassis has been compromised.

I know all of this based on this experience: http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/43878-ahhh-my-car-hit-bad-today.html