Front quarter panel replacement (rust)

[Rob]

It's New England and rust is inevitable. What started as a tiny bubble has inevitably blossomed into an unsightly mess on my front drivers quarter panel. Typical Panther rust...


What should I expect for a quote from a body shop for a replacement? It's been ages since I've had any non insurance body shop work done so I want to go in informed. I used to know all this stuff, but what years and models are interchangeable? Aftermarket brands to use and ask for or stay away from?


Anyone know a reasonably priced body shop in the MA/NH area, or someone who knows how to use a home booth? I have a fantastic body shop I've used before but I can't dish out that kind of cash out of pocket.

[Mr. Man]

If your talking about the front fender, a Marquis fender is the replacement. Probably get a new one from Ford. Depending on the amount of rust the current fender maybe stripped repaired and repainted. Depends on the labor cost. If the rust has gone through the metal get a mew fender.

[Rob]

That's what I thought. 98 to 2011 right?

Eh, I'm not holding out hope for this one to be repaired. It's starting to bubble through along the whole top of the wheel well and seems to be accelerating. No holes yet, but I'm not pushing my luck by probing with a finger.

With the million+ GMs made, I don't think finding one will be an issue.

[Serge]

2003-2011 Grand Marquis, 1996-2011 Crown Vic and Marauder fenders all interchange. I had P71 fenders on my Marauder. Same paint code and all.

[Rob]

FUgh I'm so rusty on my interchangeable knowledge. Should have asked me 10 years ago and I'd be giving you part numbers.

So you were the one of those cool kids with the MM/CV crosses.

[Maverick pro]

Get it fixed and fluid film the entire car. Do a Google search about fluid film. I also live in New England and use it every year in the fall. Its amazing stuff that's been around forever.
I've been doing body and collision work a long time and can't stand rust. It's the only stuff I've seen work.

[stevengerard]

In germany Porsche owners spray Kerosene on the underneath of thier car - does the same thing

[Maverick pro]

In germany Porsche owners spray Kerosene on the underneath of thier car - does the same thing

Same idea but totally different chemicals. Fluid film is a much thicker product and stays where you put it. It takes a degreaser and a pressure washer to get it off. Its also really good for the rubber materials like brake lines and bushings.

[Rob]

No need to google WHAT it is, just where to get it done. Looks like next town over from me and around $150/vehicle.

Oh the good old days of spraying oil...

[Maverick pro]

If your ever up this way you buy the material and I will do it for you free. It will cost you around $50.00 in materials.

[Rob]

Very generous offer. Let me get her fixed up and we'll talk. Speaking of fixing up...have any half way decent body shops in the area? I'm ready to let my fingers do the walking through the yellow pages...

[Maverick pro]

Very generous offer. Let me get her fixed up and we'll talk. Speaking of fixing up...have any half way decent body shops in the area? I'm ready to let my fingers do the walking through the yellow pages...

No problem rob, My shops in Maine kinda far for you but if you can do without the car for a week or so we would love to work on it. However we so not do rust repair. It would be a replacement.

[Rob]

Where in Maine?

[Maverick pro]

Where in Maine?

Moodys collision in york maine off us-1

[tbone]

When I replaced my fender I sprayed the inner side with undercoating. Car will never see salt again but I figured why not?

[Chi Stallion]

I have the same issue with the rust devoloping on the ds fender near the rock panel. SOB came back twice after I repainted the bottom half of the car. Body shop guy recommends buy a new fender.

[Maverick pro]

I have the same issue with the rust devoloping on the front fender near the rock panel. SOB came back twice after I repainted the bottom half of the car. Body shop guy recommends buy a new fender.

Mine has the same issue. It's getting replaced with a new fender after this coming winter. Your better of to replace and use a preventative from there on. I've tried to fix many rust problems and they do sometimes keep having the same problem. Even after sandblasting and using a good paint like POR -15. Sheet metal is just to thin to once it has pitting from rust its hard to keep it from growing.

[Maverick pro]

When I replaced my fender I sprayed the inner side with undercoating. Car will never see salt again but I figured why not?

Not a bad idea tbone. As long as the car does not see salt anymore.

[tbone]

Take off the rocker covers and fix the rust. You will probably find holes. I did. All fixed though.