EASY Body Work Estimate?

[eric_rosenwald]

Someone collided with my 2000 4Runner in a parking lot. I need to replace the left front fender – nothing more. They can't resurface it, or anything like that. The basic part costs only $30, so the primary labor would be removing/replacing, and probably more than anything – the painting. The factory coat is “Millennium Silver”.

I cashed a $630 check from the other drivers insurance company, and the body shop I want to go to insists that I send them the insurance documents. I’m suspicious of kickbacks. But is this typical? Will every body shop refuse to look at it and give an estimate if they don’t see the insurance company check?

My big question is… How much would this cost? I live in Arizona. I’m not sure if I can get a quality job done for less than $630. If so, it would obviously nice to save some money. I assume the place I talked to would charge me the exact amount that the check was worth. For all I know, it realistically only costs $400 to get this done well.

Any other thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[IBallEngineer]

Someone collided with my 2000 4Runner in a parking lot. I need to replace the left front fender – nothing more. They can't resurface it, or anything like that. The basic part costs only $30, so the primary labor would be removing/replacing, and probably more than anything – the painting. The factory coat is “Millennium Silver”.

I cashed a $630 check from the other drivers insurance company, and the body shop I want to go to insists that I send them the insurance documents. I’m suspicious of kickbacks. But is this typical? Will every body shop refuse to look at it and give an estimate if they don’t see the insurance company check?

My big question is… How much would this cost? I live in Arizona. I’m not sure if I can get a quality job done for less than $630. If so, it would obviously nice to save some money. I assume the place I talked to would charge me the exact amount that the check was worth. For all I know, it realistically only costs $400 to get this done well.

Any other thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated!

Not knowing the labor rates in AZ, I can't tell you much. But I can tell you a few things about the industry. You might find a shop that will just paint the new fender off the car and install it for a low price. But the proper way to get a finish match involves blending, and that means a lot more time and money. My advice to you is what I tell everyone who asks me here(I owned a body shop for 14 years), find a shop you trust, and let them do their job. Unless of course you hope to pocket some money, then find the El Cheapo shop. There is no right answer, your quality standards and budget will decide for you.

 

[Kanoe]

Pardon me for asking, but are you saying you can get a new fender for $30? Seriously? That can't be a toyota part can it? I would be worried about how a $30 fender will fit.

I would sooner pop the dent out and patch it up than risk a cheap aftermarket fender if yours is not rusty.

 

[csp]

Tell any body shop you're asking an estimate from that this is an out of pocket expense, no insurance involved.

 

[nissanh]

I'd get that fender fixed.
Remove the fender flare, pull the dent out (shoud come out easily with just a simple pull). Show it to a paint guy and get it painted. I have the same exact dent in my cruiser and yet to get it done.

 

[Nervo19]

Replacing the fender yourself is not all that hard. Try this site and try to find the same color used fender: Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

You might have to phone the yards that have your part. I never got email replies.

Metallic silver is a hard color to match. I doubt a shop would get it right for $600. Maaco is running a half price special now and you could get a cheap paint job on the whole truck for that price. I'm happy with the Maaco jobs I have had and your truck is 17 years old after all.

There's also this vender on eBay who will paint a fender and ship it to you for $225. There may be others. I just saw someone on the Tacoma forum who is really happy with this service:
1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner PRE PAINTED TO MATCH Driver Fender w Free TOUCH UP

 

[Unner]

I'd try and find a used one in the right color and just replace it yourself. Pocket the extra $400-500.

 

[rallypoint_1]

I'd try and find a used one in the right color and just replace it yourself. Pocket the extra $400-500.

Agreed.

Also, how is the paint on the rest of the truck? New painted fender on faded truck will not look to great. Just me.

 

[amalik]

Tell any body shop you're asking an estimate from that this is an out of pocket expense, no insurance involved.

great advice here unless it's a shop who only wants to deal with insurance claims.

 

[eric_rosenwald]

Pardon me for asking, but are you saying you can get a new fender for $30? Seriously? That can't be a toyota part can it? I would be worried about how a $30 fender will fit.

I would sooner pop the dent out and patch it up than risk a cheap aftermarket fender if yours is not rusty.

The insurance docs all make it clear that it needs to be replaced. It's also rusty.

 

[eric_rosenwald]

Agreed.

Also, how is the paint on the rest of the truck? New painted fender on faded truck will not look to great. Just me.

The paint on the rest of the truck is absolutely incredible. I was so lucky to buy this one – the previous owners hardly ever let it outside.

 

[eric_rosenwald]

Pardon me for asking, but are you saying you can get a new fender for $30? Seriously? That can't be a toyota part can it? I would be worried about how a $30 fender will fit.

I would sooner pop the dent out and patch it up than risk a cheap aftermarket fender if yours is not rusty.

Those came from my quotes online, and it's the same price that the insurance company quoted.

 

[I_bRAD]

I cashed a $630 check from the other drivers insurance company, and the body shop I want to go to insists that I send them the insurance documents.

If this were me, I'd find a different body shop.

 

[Kanoe]

Those came from my quotes online, and it's the same price that the insurance company quoted.

I'm sure you are correct. No offense intended.

I simply wanted to state that the cheap fenders I have used in the past look like cheap fenders when they are installed. You should be aware that aftermarket MAY not fit as good as the original. I would verify they are using Toyota panels if you care much about the truck. Just trying to help.

Try Camelback Toyota for pricing on OEM fender. It's more.

 

[infamousRNR]

I have bought 2 fenders from an auto dismantler & from a pick it yourself type place... $40-$50 tops & a little time & you can replace that Denver yourself...

Seriously. Look for a fender in your color & spend some time replacing it.

It might take a little while to source the color that matches your silver is it??... but if you're patient it can be done.. or maybe eBay or Hollander parts or something g has something quicker if you can't stand looking at it.

 

[fblainen11]

If the insurance company has already cut the check to you then I would not be worried about the insurance company and the shop swapping kickbacks.

They may just want to know what all the insurance company said needed to be replaced so they won't have to do a thorough estimate. They'll just use that instead.

I'd just go to a shop and tell them your paying cash. You can go to a reputable place or a sketch shop. Just know that the quality could vary.
Find a place by referral that you know you can trust.

I work in insurance.

 

[Garcia9876]

Solution as body shop but need to do by your self

Paint $11.73
https://www.amazon.com/Dupli-Color-...id=1485834196&sr=8-2&keywords=DUPBTY1614&th=1

Coat $11.49
https://www.amazon.com/Dupli-Color-...5834906&sr=8-1&keywords=duplicolor+clear+coat

Fender $90.74
Fender For 96-2002 Toyota 4Runner Limited Front Driver Side Primed Steel | eBay




Buy 2 paint cans and 2 coats if not you can just buy one paint and coat

Estimated $114 to $137

Do it by your self if not just leave it like this

or

Take out your fender and use a plastic hammerto hit on the damage spot to puch it back. I gurrantted 90% will be like perfect for $10 only.

PLASTIC MALLET 1-1/4" FACE NYLON HAMMER JEWELRY MAKING TOOL METALSMITH ART CRAFT

 

[drummeraj12]

Every shop I have gone to gave me a quote no problem without insurance paperwork. I would then hook them up with my insurance if I was going to use the shop but maybe it is different in AZ.

 

[T4R2014]

I love recommendations from these handymans that think you can do proper bodywork with Duplicolor rattle cans. Best of luck to them when it comes to panel gap adjustments. Must look phenomenal.

 

[Tinigunner11]

I love recommendations from these handymans that think you can do proper bodywork with Duplicolor rattle cans. Best of luck to them when it comes to panel gap adjustments. Must look phenomenal.

But just for anyone else who stumbles on this thread, You can do a great job with rattle cans and good matched paint. PREP WORK IS KEY! The better job you do prepping the better the job is going to come out. I bought a 2000 limited that was in need of two new front fenders. I bought the fenders of eBay just in black primer, sanded them thoroughly, laid a few good coats of color with duplicolor color matched paint, wet sanded between each coat, finished with a cut buff and polish. The results speak for themselves. I did this in my garage, I'm no bodywork man or painter. I'm just handy and don't like paying someone to do something I can do for cheaper. Be confident in yourself and take your time!

Here are the pictures of the completed fenders, You can see my panel gaps are as close to factory as can be. My 1997 is next to it for comparison.

2000 white 4Runner Limited by austin jenkins, on Flickr

2000 white 4Runner Limited by austin jenkins, on Flickr

2000 white 4Runner Limited by austin jenkins, on Flickr

2000 white 4Runner Limited by austin jenkins, on Flickr

IMG_7841 by austin jenkins, on Flickr