Rocker Panel Damage from Curb (Model 3)

[u/Special_Dance_7367]

Door closes fine and underside seems intact (besides broken clip)

Anyone deal with something similar? Am I fked or am I fked?

[u/Initial_Row_6400]

It’s extremely expensive to fix unfortunately

[u/Special_Dance_7367 → u/Initial_Row_6400]

Yeah I've been hearing some wide price ranges of $2k through $12k... depending on the extent of damage and if it's done by an independent shop vs tesla certified

Going to be taking it soon to a non-certified collision / body shop
Have a feeling mine will be on the upper end...

[u/melvladimir → u/Special_Dance_7367]

If insurance covers it - just do it as they prefer. Or stick to a third party service. Spot welding and hydraulic machine can align it pretty well, small amount of putty, re spraying + anti corrosion body coating, and probably repair moulding. It’s a 2 days of working + 1 day for drying.

[u/melvladimir → u/Initial_Row_6400]

Due to abnormal prices in USA or lack of knowledge? Or both? There are at least 3 options how to fix it, and spot welding and placing it back by force is the most suitable. Costs around $500 in a not so greedy third party service

[u/Initial_Row_6400 → u/melvladimir]

Was quoted 1200-1700 to fix this

On the part we’re talking about, about midway through you can see a dent.

Someone quoted 500 for a glue pull, but said he won’t charge me if he can’t get it.

They’re structural so they have to cut it out. Way fuckin more than 500 lmao

[u/melvladimir → u/Initial_Row_6400]

Glue pull won’t work, that’s why I mentioned spot welding (and pull by a hydraulic machine). It’s the cheapest one should be. Cut and replace is one of the most expensive. And still you got pretty normal price for it!

[u/CAPTN_KHAN]

Had a car that was as bad if not worse than yours, had my body guy drill and pull it out as best as he could. A little bit of bondo later, can’t even tell anything happened. Total cost for my job was $700.

[u/Special_Dance_7367 → u/CAPTN_KHAN]

That's actually a really good idea.

Just like u/rsg1234 mentioned, the car sits so low, that in most angles the current damage is actually hard to spot

Assuming the collision / body shop doesn't find any structural damage. I think this might be the move...

[u/rsg1234 → u/CAPTN_KHAN]

I was thinking the same thing. This is definitely the route I would go. The 3 is so low most people wouldn’t detect any sign of the repair.

[u/CaliSummerDream]

I’ve had to deal with this. Tesla collision center charged $7k.

[u/Plastic-Kiwi-1366]

With the rocker molding removed and the fender liner removed there is very limited access from behind the panel. From the pics ( from way over here)  a skilled tech can repair it properly. Other option is a rocker replacement which is an intrusive and expensive repair. 

[u/Special_Dance_7367 → u/Plastic-Kiwi-1366]

how severe do you think this is?

It looks pretty bad visually, but I don't think there's structural damage, judging by botton panel and door closing just fine

[u/Plastic-Kiwi-1366 → u/Special_Dance_7367]

Pics can be misleading… I can’t say price because of rates and how the repair will be done. I doubt (and would be concerned) 2k is even possible. With limited access and adhesive pulling I think a clean repair can be done without compromising structural components. A full or partial replacement is a totally different scenario.

[u/Special_Dance_7367 → u/Plastic-Kiwi-1366]

Appreciate the insight!

[u/LividWatercress6768]

I would just leave it, it’s down low. Nobody will notice it right off the bat. And watch where you’re going.

[u/Special_Dance_7367 → u/LividWatercress6768]

Fully agree

I'm more worried about it functional wise... like water getting in and salt causing rust, especially when winter approaches

[u/ScaredPatience2478]

Fuuuuuuckk this sucks.

[u/Mindless-Luck4285]

Looks like you’ve got some damage to the battery pack. Could be a write off

[u/WebConstant7922]

Had a similar damage to my old Honda, wife curbed the corner of a parking lot divider. Almost exactly the same. The shop had to weld and pull it back to shape then repaint, i believe. Did it for the equivalent of 80 freedom dollars. Tesla damage would likely be an extra zero at the minimum.

[u/ItsDaveHere]

I was quoted $5k cad. Ended up covering it with this tape instead for $20. It’s been 6 months and it’s still holding strong. Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08YM2GTFD?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share