Hello from Newbie - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

giddyupguy12 · 03-12-2010, 06:28 AM

Howdy, absolutely LOVE my new, "previously owned" Smart Car. Already have a question: I had an unfortunate incident yesterday resulting in the need for some body work. Firstly, ine the event of significant damage I assume most reasonable course of action is to simply replace the affected body panels? Second, are there any other sources of these replacement body panels other than the dealer, ie cheaper??? Thanks for your help
Dean

**jwight** · 03-12-2010, 06:49 AM

Hi and welcome! You may find what you need here: Body Panels - Sale, Wanted or Swap Thread or on eBay but most likely the dealer will be your best source for panels.

Kermit · 03-12-2010, 06:56 AM

First: Is the unfortunate incident anything you want you insurance company to know about? Is it just a panel? Simple to swap and you can do it yourself or get a mechanically inclined friend to help if you are lacking in that area.

giddyupguy12 · 03-12-2010, 08:03 AM

I have a $1000 deductible which is greater than any cost to fix so I am not reporting it. No one was injured and other vehicle did not have a scratch! Try running into the rear end of an unespectedly quick stopped lifted one ton PU with the ball mounted in the receiver hitch!! Unfortunately sone of the fastening points for the headlight and body panels were damaged too which makes just snapping new panels in somewhat difficult. The damaged panels are fine except for specific point (BALL!!) of contact but my experience with body work would dictate a cheaper alternative would be to replace panels. Anyway my question is simply where is the best place to get the best price on body parts OR am I ultimately going to pay the same or more as if just simply ordered thru dealer. Thanks.

Kermit · 03-12-2010, 08:13 AM

Since you say the part the headlight is mounted to may not be just a few simple panels. If memory serves correct, I think that part is around +/- $450. You wouldn't have a picture would you? Once you get 3 posts you can post pictures. That can help out anyone else that chimes in to try to help out as well.

giddyupguy12 · 03-12-2010, 10:36 AM

My question is SIMPLY where is the cheapest soource of authentic replacement body panels for a Smart Car?

Kermit · 03-12-2010, 01:25 PM

your dealer

Suze · 03-12-2010, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giddyupguy12

My question is SIMPLY where is the cheapest soource of authentic replacement body panels for a Smart Car?

You may find what you need here: Body Panels - Sale, Wanted or Swap Thread or on eBay but most likely the dealer will be your best source for panels.

giddyupguy12 · 03-12-2010, 03:43 PM

Well!!!! Thankyou for simply answering my question! I suspected that,other than finding some that were used or that the owners were changing colors on that The dealer would be the best bet. Thanks again.

Kermit · 03-12-2010, 04:26 PM

Hopefully in the future forum members won't help you beyond what you ask.