| Body Panel Replacement |
|
Tech Tip Your car’s service manual may have a parts drawing or list for your car with its body parts and the corresponding numbers. You’ll need the parts number to order it. (You don’t want to order a left rear fender and receive a new hood!) Can you replace a body panel yourself? Probably. The key to replacing body panels is figuring out what type of fasteners the manufacturer used to install it. Depending on the component, it may be installed with sheet metal screws, bolts and nuts, clips or other fasteners. A door, for example, is hung on hinges attached to the body with large screws. Fenders often use clips that are accessed from inside the engine compartment or the trunk. Bumpers may use bolts and screws for primary support and clips for secondary support. If the service manual is no help, speak with an auto paint store clerk or hire an auto body mechanic to advise you.
|
Sometimes the smartest thing to do is to replace a body panel. This is especially true when the damaged part is a corner fender or front or rear bumper. You can buy these components from larger auto parts stores (although they probably won’t be in stock and will need to be ordered). The part may even be available already painted in your car’s color from a new car dealer’s parts shop or from larger auto parts stores. You can also buy the replacement component through an automotive recycling center (previously known as a junkyard).
