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After an accident or a fender bender, a body shop repairman may say that is "easier to replace the quarter panel" than to try to correct the dent. What is a quarter panel, and what does it do?
Anatomy
Cars are built in pieces, with the exterior specially composed of sheets of metal fastened to the frame of the car with small welds. During small accidents, quarter panels may sustain damage that requires dents to be pulled out or the entire panel removed.
Location
The front panels begin at the front bumper and run to the front of the door while the rear panels usually start at the back of the back door and run behind the back bumper to the other side of the car.
Rear Panels
Rear panels have a painted protective shell for aesthetics and weather protection. Inside the rear panel are supports for the bumper and trunk.
Front Panels
Similar to the rear panels, the front quarter panels have a protective shell that protects the frame and inner workings of the car. The front panels also house the wheel well, which prevents rocks and debris from entering the engine compartment of the trunk.
Repair
Smaller dents and scratches on the quarter panel can usually be repaired. Larger dents, scratches and tears due to an accident usually require quarter panel replacement.
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