07 vibe I repaired at work

[lavaman]

The damaged vibe

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[lavaman]

Initial disassembly

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[lavaman]

Used replacement section

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[lavaman]

Damaged panel removed

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[lavaman]

Initial test fit

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[lavaman]

Adhesive applied & panel screwed into place

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[lavaman]

Joints welded

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[lavaman]

Welds finished

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[lavaman]

Filler applied

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[lavaman]

Filler & other surfaces finished

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[lavaman]

Primer applied

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[lavaman]

Headed to the paint shop

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[lavaman]

Back from the paint shop

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[lavaman]

Another vibe saved

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[SeattleJeremy]

Awesome work lavaman! I'm super impressed.

[lavaman]

Thanks Jeremy, I grew up in a body shop. I've been doing this since I was about 10 so I guess that's been about.......47 years. I actually tried to buy this super clean 93,000 mile 07 before I started on it, but the owner loves his vibe as much as the rest of us love ours. I get assigned all the vibes that come through our shop because of my love & knowledge of them

[tpollauf]

Awesome work & thanks for sharing.

[SlammedNiss]

Doing body work is like welding. Absolutely anybody can do it. However, not everybody can do it well. You sir are definitely one of those that can. Looks great!

[zbyers]

My 07 has a similar dent, but on the drivers side. Maybe I'll have you come fix it...and the rocker rust.

Great work though! Very impressive.

[KingKrab65]

WOW, great work all the way around from patch to paint. You can definitely tell it is a labor of love.

You should be very proud of your work here.

[wagonis]

THAT is perfect work there sir, really amazing.

[SlammedNiss]

So lavaman, how long did this repair take from start to finish?

[lavaman]

So lavaman, how long did this repair take from start to finish?

It's been over a year ago, but if I remember correctly it took me a little over a week, along with working on other smaller projects

[tpollauf]

So lavaman, how long did this repair take from start to finish?

Also, in addition to that question, what would this have cost the average consumer?

[lavaman]

So lavaman, how long did this repair take from start to finish?

Also, in addition to that question, what would this have cost the average consumer?

I don't remember the exact amount, but I do remember that I found scuffs in the wheel flare & the lower rear door molding which were in the neighborhood of $600 & $800 respectively from G.M. -- yes that's right, for anyone who hasn't priced these pieces -- & since I had already begun repairs, the insurance company went ahead & bought them. Had it been noticed during the initial estimate, the car would have totalled. I'm guessing the final bill was between $3000 & $4000