Panel repair

Repair or replace: how we decide

The question we hear most is whether a panel can be fixed. It depends on several things: the size and depth of the dent, whether the metal is stretched or just pushed in, whether there are creases along edges or swage lines, what the panel is made of and whether the impact has reached inner reinforcements. A wing with a wide, shallow dent usually repairs well. A door with a bent frame or a sharp crease across a body line is almost always better replaced.

Cost matters too. Sometimes a repair takes so many hours that fitting a new panel works out cheaper. We show you the figures in the estimate, which you can ask for in writing before you authorise any work.

Some parts leave no room for manoeuvre: if the impact has bent a chassis leg, a pillar or a crossmember, we're no longer talking about outer panels but about structure, and the job moves on to our chassis and structural repair service. We'll tell you plainly if that's the case.

How we work on the metal

First we remove whatever is in the way: trim panels, lights, mouldings or the bumper itself. That lets us see the dent from behind and push the metal out from inside instead of filling it from the outside. The less filler, the longer the repair lasts.

Then we level the surface, check the panel's lines by light and by hand, and prepare the area for paint. If the dent is small and the paint hasn't cracked, it may not even need painting. In that case we'll talk to you about paintless dent repair.

• Careful removal of any parts in the way.
• Straightening from the inside whenever possible.
• Checking gaps and alignment with neighbouring panels.
• Anti-corrosion protection on worked metal.
• Refitting and a final check of locks, lights and gaps.

The preparation you don't see

Much of a repair's quality lies under the paint. Once the metal is straightened, we strip the paint from the worked area, because nothing bonds well to a dented, cracked surface. We feather the step between bare metal and the paint layers so it doesn't show later, and key the surrounding area so the filler grips. Then we blow off the dust and degrease: any trace of grease or silicone weakens adhesion.

Before filling, we protect the bare metal with an anti-corrosion primer. Filler goes on in thin layers, crossing each pass to avoid trapping air, and is sanded with progressively finer grits, without big jumps, until the panel's line is spot on. On top goes the primer surfacer, which seals and levels the surface before the colour. Rush this stage and, a few months later, you get sinkage, sanding marks or edges showing through.

After the metalwork comes the paint

Once repaired, the panel moves on to paint. We match the colour to the rest of the car and apply clear coat to protect the finish from the southern sun. The paintwork we carry out comes with a lifetime paint warranty.

If the damage comes from an insurance claim, we can deal with your insurer for you: see how our insurer liaison works. And if you can't get to the workshop, we can arrange collection and delivery so you don't lose your morning.