Fixing body damage.. or purchase a shell?

[TPR950H]

Is it worth it to fix your own/pay a shop to fix your body damage? Or should I actually just buy another Festiva and transplant parts over?

Does anyone have any experience fixing your own body damage? It's more than just body panel damage too.. the front bumper (metal bumper underneath the bumper cover) is pushed in..

[Pu241]

Ask Packrat427
Pics would be nice too!

[25Horseplay]

It all depends on how bad the damage is and what your skills are.

[TPR950H]

I would probably say my skills are close to zero. The damage is probably pretty bad. I should take some pictures.. but now it's dark out. I'm lame.. I know

[Gomez]

I am sure there isn't any damage 10 gallons of Bondo and a sawzall won't fix.

[TPR950H]

It's a picture from the classified.. but here it is:



I'll try to get a better pic later..

[SimonTuffGuy]

Wow - that's rough...

[TPR950H]

The other side looks good though..

[peguinsexplode]

The other side looks good though..

just always park it so people can see the good side, if possible..

[FestYboy]

the fender is easy to fix or replace, but the rear quater is part of the shell and would take the hands of a professional to fix.

[Dave G]

Assuming it's a California car and thus has no rust, I'd say fix it!

[TPR950H]

Yeah, no major rust. Just surface/panel rust on the damage parts. Although the pic sort of hides it, the bumper support is smashed in. The bumper cover comes awfully close to the front driver's side tire... I think this is the only thing I'm concerned about. The hatch doesn't leak even with that damage and although it's ugly, it'll get me by until I find number 2.. hehe.