Ask I-CAR

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Request

What does I-CAR say about exterior panel repair vs. replace?

Response

Per I-CAR curriculum: "The decision to repair or replace a damaged panel will require using a combination of criteria including:

• the severity of the damage.
• the location of the damage. If panel replacement will disrupt OEM welds and corrosion protection, repair may be a better option if the damage is not too severe.
• the condition of the original finish. If the damaged panel has excessive film thickness, the finish coatings will have to be reduced to allow for refinishing. This may affect the repair versus replace decision.
• accessibility to the damage. Can the backside be properly corrosion protected if the panel is repaired?
• the durability of the repair. Is the damage in a high wear area that is going to be continually subjected to stress such as a hood crush zone?"