Repairing a damaged Dodge Challenger Quarter Panel seems a good idea but it is more about saving cost than strengthening the vehicle. If you ask a Dodge engineer for a suggestion, the engineer will always suggest replacing the damaged part. And there are plenty of reasons to go for replacement instead of repair.

For you, a quarter panel is just a part of your car but for an engineer, it is a crucial part of the body of the vehicle. It constitutes the body panel between a rear door and trunk. Also, it wraps around the wheel well. It is welded on a component and has to be cut to remove it from the vehicle body. It is for this reason that your mechanic has advised you to get the damaged part repaired.

Why Do Mechanics Suggest Repairing Damaged Quarter Panels?

As you have learned that this component is welded on the vehicle body, it has to be cut from the body. Your mechanic will cut the old and damaged Dodge Challenger quarter panel off and weld a new one on. It demands a high amount of specialized labor and it consumes much time as well. Your mechanic feels that hammering the damaged part or welding the crack will be easier than replacing it. He will save his time and earn quick money as well.

Reasons For Replacing A Quarter Panel

1. Visual Appeal

If you consider the placement of the damaged quarter panel, you will find that it plays an important role in giving your car a definite design. If you see your car from the back or sides, your eyes will first go on the quarter panels. The vehicle gets a sleek design and a definite shape due to the smooth finish of quarter panels situated on both sides.

For example, a vehicle with angular quarter panels will look sharper but a car with softer panels will appear a little curvier or organic. Here it can be said that the design and finish of a panel determine the finish of a vehicle. And you will agree that repairing the Dodge Challenger quarter panel will spoil the overall look of the car.

If you believe that your mechanic can bring the damaged panel back into its original shape and give it a smooth finish, you should go ahead with the option of repairing the part. It will save you money and your mechanical will save time. But if you have any doubt that the mechanic won’t be able to do a perfect job, you should choose replacement over repair work.

2. Support

Your Dodge Challenger quarter panel is a crucial part of the vehicle body because it provides support to the rest of the structure. If you see the panel, you will understand that it connects the roof with the trunk and the door frame. If you are going to repair this part, you should make sure that the repaired part is capable of supporting the structure of the vehicle. You should ask yourself about the strength of the repaired part to your mechanic.

Ideally, it isn’t advisable to repair a damaged quarter panel as it could weaken the vehicle body. Also, it won’t be able to perform its tasks like covering the wheel. If you are concerned about the strength of your car and want to keep it in good condition then you replace the damaged part instead of repairing it. In this way, you can strengthen the outer structure of your car. Also, the new part will make your car new again.

3. Protection

Do you know that your Dodge Challenger Quarter Panel protects the other panels surrounding it? If you see the design of your car, you will understand the value of the quarter panel. If you want to protect your vehicle from further damage, you should replace the panel.

Also, it is this panel that protects the undercarriage of the vehicle from dirt and debris that come up with the rear wheels. When the car moves, the rear wheels often throw up road tar, dirt, and debris straight onto the panels. Here you can say that the panels protect your vehicle from oil smears, dirt, and debris. If a quarter panel is damaged, it is difficult to bring it into its original shape that is needed to achieve full functionality.

When Should You Repair Quarter Panels?

There is little need to replace your Dodge Challenger quarter panel just because it has a few scratches and bruises. The scratch marks can be erased with polishing. Similarly, minor damage to the quarter panel can be repaired without requiring hammering or welding. An efficient mechanic can reshape a mildly damaged panel with a few gentle strokes. If your quarter panel has mild damage, you can discuss the repair with your mechanic. But make sure that the repair work brings the panel back into its original shape.

Is There Any DIY Way Of Repairing/Replacing Quarter Panels?

YouTube has tons of videos showing how to repair/replace quarter panels of a car. But you should take help of a professional. You should know you are welding a new part and undoing a poorly done install could be a pain. Panels bolt into the frame and you need to fine-tune shims and slotted bolt holes to adjust the position of the parts. If you get the alignment of a panel wrong, you will need to grind the welds and start again. You shouldn’t try repairing/replacing quarter panels with the help of YouTube videos.

Whether it is repair or replacement, you should go to a professional mechanic to fix your Dodge Challenger quarter panel. Depending on the material and design, a panel could cost you anything from $100 to $1000. But it will never be an expensive affair even after adding the labor charges to the cost of the product. The most important thing to know about quarter panel replacement is the experience of the mechanic. Always take the services of an experienced auto engineer for jobs that require specialized labor.