To repair or replace a QP?

[hari-bhari]

So the dilemma is this. The damage on my car can be seen in this thread:
http://www.solaraguy.com/viewtopic.php?t=38223

The dealership said that they recommend repairing the panel and that they started pulling it out and its shaping back up nicely. What makes me beleive them is the fact that replacing it would actually make them MORE money, but he still suggested the repair. The pros of repairing the panel are that I don't replace a huge chunk of my car, and hence dont have to get my entire QP, part of my passsenger door, roof, and trunk repainted. The cons are that obviously it will be a repair on the panel and I don't know how all that bondo and stuff holds up. The shop is toyota certified so I'm sure the work will be done fine.

HOWEVER, the pros of replacing the panel as opposed to repairing are that I get a brand new panel, but the cons are that a LOT more of my car will have to be repainted.

Cost is not really a factor since the other party's insurance is covering it and although they WANT to repair the panel, I'm pretty sure I can force them to pay for replacement if I twist their arm.

So what do I do? I am going to the shop tomorrow to look at the car. What should I look for in terms of how much is bondo'd n stuff? Any help is appreciated.

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

I would do the repair, they can actually do great wonders. Just like the ding-king - paint shops use smaller devises to pull dents out and then smooth them out...only in the very end its surfaced to give the OEM texture and shape. A professional shop should be able to pull the dent/hammer it from inside/use dry ice or some ice method to smooth it out before resorting to bondo. GL!

[AllShowNoGo]

Get a new panel!!! twist their arm... New panel will look better if they can line it up with the original shape.

[hari-bhari]

i think im sticking with the repair. lot less of my poor car needs to get repainted that way. i checked by the shop and looked at the progress they are making, and most of the panel is smoothing back out nicely so far. if im not pleased with it 100% at the ehd, ill go back and have them redo it.