My Camaro's status has been upgraded - Page 2 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

The Flash · 12-20-2022, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonM

There are two areas developing some rust. The first one is the seam at the inside bottom of the driver's door. This one, I can most likely repair myself, since it is hidden, and no one will see the repair.

The 2nd one is a lot more serious. It's on the driver's side quarter panel, and it started a few years ago (of course about 2 months AFTER the rust-through warranty expired). It started as a small bubble about an inch away from the edge of the quarter panel near where the rear bumper cover meets the panel. It has since grown into a few rather large bubbles and has reached the edge of the panel, where it's starting to get really nasty looking.

When I first noticed it, I took it to the dealer (thinking I was still under warranty). The body shop manager (a$$hole), after telling me I was out of warranty, said he could "fix" it, but would not guarantee the repair once the paint dried, for $1,200. THEN he said he could fix it and guarantee it for life ... for $4,000, by replacing the entire quarter panel. So instead telling him what I was really thinking, I just took the car home and have lived with it since.

Thanks a lot for sharing this. The rear quarters are a nightmarish location for any trouble since they are one single piece together with the C pillar and the roof.

That makes even a full quarter replacement an 'iffy' proposition as there is going to be some metal cutting, welding and then heavy de-burring and sanding involved.

However, despite all the work involved, that $4000.00 quote was out of line, bordering on being insulting.

Wish you all luck and success in dealing with both issues. I'll keep an eye on these areas myself from now on.

xstuntman · 12-20-2022, 06:22 PM

If you don't paint you couple save some money by cutting and patching yourself. Know anybody who welds? I also recall somebody on Camaro5 had pics of their repair too. Just fyi, I also read some good on those aluminum welding sticks harbor freight sells so there's another option to welding.

They do make a rattle can that has a separate hardner you activate at application which might be neat to try out.

If I were retired I'd do everything I could just for fun.

12-20-2022, 06:22 PM	#16
xstuntman Drives: 2012 Victory Red LFX Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: west central Texas Posts: 1,310	If you don't paint you couple save some money by cutting and patching yourself. Know anybody who welds? I also recall somebody on Camaro5 had pics of their repair too. Just fyi, I also read some good on those aluminum welding sticks harbor freight sells so there's another option to welding. They do make a rattle can that has a separate hardner you activate at application which might be neat to try out. If I were retired I'd do everything I could just for fun. __________________ 2018 SS wheels, red Heritage grille, actual driving lights, ZL1 strut tower brace, GM Performance billet aluminum fuel door, front grille Bowtie delete, painted red rotors and calipers, 1/4 window American Flags, splash guards, AEM dry panel air filter.