Whether you’ve been in a recent collision, discovered a nasty scratch on the side of your vehicle, or rust and other weather-caused damage has begun to take a toll, knowing how to replace auto body panels is an important part of extending the overall lifespan of your vehicle. Beyond restoring aesthetics and resale value, removing damaged panels can help your car retain optimal performance and prevent advanced wear and tear that will leave you spending more in the long run.
As one of Central Alberta’s most trusted sources for repair parts, auto body panels, custom paint and more, Central Alberta Paint Supplies has everything you need to keep your ride looking its best for as long as possible. Read on to learn 5 things you need to keep in mind when looking for replacement auto body panels!
First Things First: Assess and Evaluate
If your car has been damaged, it’s easy to dive in and want to fix things as soon as possible to get rid of eyesores and embarrassment. While it’s completely understandable that you don’t want to drive around in a damaged vehicle (even if it’s only cosmetic), the first thing you’ll need to do before looking at panels is accurately assess the extent of your damage. Dents, scratches, and major warping all have different needs. Lesser damage may be able to be repaired with paint pens or by pulling out dents, but deeper, more extensive issues will likely require a full replacement. Consulting with a trusted autobody repair shop is one of the best ways to get an accurate assessment, and in many cases, it can help point you in the right direction with the exact parts/part numbers you’ll need to do repairs.
Deciding Between OEM and Aftermarket Panels
When it comes to replacing auto body panels, there are two standard routes to entertain: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) panels and aftermarket panels. As the names suggest, OEM panels are made directly by the manufacturer of your vehicle (Ford, Toyota, etc), whereas aftermarket panels are produced by third-party manufacturers. While third-party panels are often cheaper, they can vary in terms of quality and functionality, and may not fit your car as accurately as an OEM design. With that being said, they may also be more readily available than their OEM counterparts, which, when paired with cost savings, may offset any minor inconveniences.
Quality Matters
Your vehicle is a major investment, and as with making alterations to anything of significant value, quality is key. Regardless of whether you use OEM or aftermarket panels, make sure you are able to verify the quality of your selection, which extends to far more than just materials used. Key quality factors include fit, durability, and finish. Make sure that any panels you select are up to industry standards and, even though it may increase your overall spend, ensure that your final choice puts structural integrity first and is durable enough to stand the test of time. Remember: even though you may save today by going with cheaper models, you may pay more in the future for taking shortcuts.
DI-Don’t
While skilled auto experts may be able to install panels themselves, tackling any vehicle DIY project comes with distinct risks. Unlike trained autobody shops that have access to a wide range of tools and resources, if you go it alone, you’re stuck with what you’re able to procure on your own. That means that any mistakes can be extremely costly, may result in further damage to your car overall, and even simple replacements often take far longer than anticipated when approached by a non-professional. Unless you have extensive knowledge and hands-on experience, panel replacement is typically best left to a paid pro.
Prep Work and Paint Matching
Once you have the proper panelling, it’s important to ensure you have the other aspects ready. While panel replacements aren’t overly complicated, they do require the preparation of both the panel(s) and the car surface to make sure everything adheres. In addition, you’ll likely have to paint your new components to ensure a seamless finish. DIY painting is another area that can lead to several complications if not done properly, and as with above, is usually best left to experts.
Body Panels and More at Central Alberta Paint Supplies
At CAPS, we make it easy to replace and repair your car panels as needed. Come check out our materials in stock at any of our physical locations, which can help you achieve a perfect finish for your car. Or, contact our team now to answer any questions you may have. We’d love to connect and talk about your project!