outsydthebox
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Hey All,
So I've no experience with owning a vehicle made with composite. If someone hits me, will it dent like metal or will it crack? Can it shatter? Can composite be fixed at Joe Blow's Body Shop and will it be costly?
Will a repair compromise future safety? Will a repair negatively impact the interior sound-deadening qualities of the panels? Thanks, everyone, for your time.
I have several business contacts who own or manage body shops, so I will share what I "think" I know. It isn't just Saturn and Corvette that use "plastic" panels. Buick LeSabre and Park Avenue front fenders have been "composite" for over a decade, and there are probably others. Even when a body panel is steel, If the damage is more that just "dings" most shops will replace it, as they make 25% "mark up" on any parts they replace (plus labor), so I doesn't make $en$e for them so pay out a lot of labor. These shops are all held to high "safety" standards for repairs, tho (in my opinion) not all shops are honest.
If it is a reputable shop, "future safety" and "sound deadening" should not be an issue. The law allows you a limited amount of time, after the repairs are complete & you take possession, to have any problems (fit and finish, rattles and squeaks) fixed to your satisfaction.
I have found it helpful to ask your local body shops..."what insurance companies do you LIKE to work with?"...as there are some companies that will not pay for good quality replacement parts! my 2 cents