Dent Repair: In Place or remove/attach

My 525 recently got a parking lot dent. The dent is about 6"x4" total, and not very deep (a quarter inch). I am attaching two pictures which show the dent.

I have talked to two different shops and have heard two different opinions.

#1: Wants to take the quarter panel and the rear panel off, fix the dent and then put them back after painting.
#2: Will take out the rear light and fix the dent In-Place by accessing the sheet metal from the trunk, and then paint in place while taking precautions to prevent overspray.

Both the shops will take the bumper off and refinish it.

Since this is an insurance issue, I am not particularly concerned about the cost.

#1: Will require removal of the quarter panel and roping of the windshield and other trim items. A significant number of parts will be removed and then reassembled.

#2: Does not disturb the factory assembly of the car. However there is a chance that the dent may not come out absolutely perfect and/or a slight variation in color.

Since the dent is quite small and not very deep, I am leaning towards #2 in-place process, since the original body fittings will not be disturbed. Given the color of the car and the angle at which the damage is, any minor variation is not going to be visible. Even with the dent you have to look hard to find it.

What to other folks on the fest think?

Reply » Dent Repair: In Place or remove/attach

I think option no. 2 is :mickey mouse:. A good job will not affect the "factory assembly" but duplicate it.

So put me down for no. 1. That's what I would do.

Reply » Dent Repair: In Place or remove/attach

Malibu:
A job perfectly in either mode will look good. But in the real world things are never perfect.

In case #2 the lack of perfection will be cosmetic, local, and limited to the damaged area.

In case #1 any lack of perfection can significantly affect my driving experience (more wind noise, lose door seals and what not).

Given the past experience of folks, what is the quality of job which can be done in-place in this situation where the rear of the sheet metal is easily accessible from the boot? The dent is equally split between the two panels and at the edge of each panel.

Reply » Dent Repair: In Place or remove/attach

The Qaurter panesl are welding in place on most unibody cars.

Why no pull the turnk lining and lights and just fix it????? That area is accessable from inside the car.

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