[buckles29]

Hi - my car has been hit and has been given Cat S.

Several people have said that for this damage - there is a small triangular area of the quarter panel (next to rear driver side wheel arch that has been dented in - dented on inside as well as outside skin) it would be fine and safe to repair it.

It’s cost prohibitive to replace with a new panel so if I decide to keep the car I will just repair it.

A few people have said that Cat S was overzealous for this amount of damage. Anyone out there with knowledge of car structural safety? Just want to know if this is repaired by pulling out the dented area so all back in line, would it be safe? Been told it’s health and safety gone mad but would like some advice.

thank you

[Beelzebub]

Cat S signifies structural damage, i.e. the damage is not confined to the dent in the panel that you can see. If that is correct, then pulling out the dent will not be enough to make the car safe.

Before you spend any money, I think you need a professional to look at the car, rather than rely on "experts" down the pub or on the internet

[buckles29]

Hi thanks for your reply. I have tried to find someone professional but there isn't anyone locally so I'm struggling as I can't drive the car to someone. Several very reputable body shop repairers have seen the damage (one in person, the others in photos) and said it's fine as it's often written off just due to the value of the car i.e. in my case the car is not worth very much and that they tend to be a bit overzealous. Just keen to know as it's a really reliable car and so want to know if actually unsafe as this has only been assessed on photos by the insurer (who've been really lazy throughout this whole process).

Is the quarterpanel always fundamental to the structure of the car?

I really do appreciate your time and response @Beelzebub. Do you deal in structural damage of cars?

Thanks

[NMNeil]

Does having an S designation on the title (log book) impact it's resale value?
I'm asking because here in the US we have clean titles, rebuilt titles and salvage titles, and you have to state the title status in advertising it for sale.
The general attitude here is that if it's a salvage or rebuilt title avoid it at all costs unless it's dirt cheap or they're giving it away.

[Rolebama]

Quarter panels are part of the integral strength of the body, unless the car has a separate chassis. Even then it could be considered a part of the integral strength of the driver and passenger cocoon. Out o0f curiosity, how deep is the dent. Up to around an inch, it probably hasn't effected any other internal panels, but over an inch, and I would suggest having it checked out.

[buckles29]

Thank you Rolebama. It is deeper than an inch so from what you and another poster has said, it sounds like I can't just get this pulled out.

The bodyshop person I've been speaking to has said he could weld on a new quarter panel but does anyone on this thread know how to make sure this is done in a way that's safe? Or will it still be structurally unsound?

Really appreciate any advice. If I get a new quarter panel welded on, I would only then be able to get a vehicle damage assessor to say it's safe which would be more expense and they may say it's no good.

So any information you can provide that would help me make my decision at this stage would be appreciated. If I can replace the quarter panel and it's safe I'd rather do that, but it must be safe.

Thank you all for your help

[olduser]

You could and perhaps should start by having the wheel alignment checked.
If that is OK then it is very unlikely the structure has been compromised.
I would want to straighten the the inner skin as well as the outer skin. It might be a bit much for DIY but a body shop can do it, and you get a warranty on the work.

[buckles29]

Thank you for your help with this. What does the warranty cover? A period of time, or that the work meets safety standards?

[Rolebama]

If you have a new quarter panel fitted you would be able to see the welds to ensure a good job. (You might have to pull a rubber seal back a bit to check). Generally, them, a good weld would be satisfactory in terms of safety. Warranty usually means that no corrosion should take place before the rest of the car begins to corrode, or the paintwork fails in some way. This can all vary depending where you live. I have seen relatively new cars on the coast effected by salt air that were more reminiscent of pepper pots because of corrosion.

[Beelzebub]

Originally Posted by buckles29

Thank you for your help with this. What does the warranty cover? A period of time, or that the work meets safety standards?

The body-shop doesn't have to give a warranty, but if it does it will cover the work they have done. I can't see them guaranteeing that that work will make the car safe.

[olduser]

Originally Posted by buckles29

Thank you for your help with this. What does the warranty cover? A period of time, or that the work meets safety standards?

Both, the safety of the repair is what you are paying for!

They will not 'fix' it unless you specifically say so, the law expects them to turn out safe cars.
If you ask for a repair, the ball is in their court, of course you will ask for an estimate to enable you to judge if the car is worth it to you!