Individual body panel purchase

prm1177 · 02-15-2008, 02:47 PM

So, early adoption has its pitfalls. I may be one of the first owners who's had someone back into him. No major damage but it did scuff the paint on the driver side, rear, quarter panel/bumper.

Smart USA customer service says I "should" be able to purchase an individual panel for replacement (metallic blue), but was not completely sure. My local dealer is checking. The damage is actually not that visible, but for a 3 week old car it would be nice to get it back into new condition.

Will let you all know how this turns out.

skyzdlimit59 · 02-15-2008, 02:55 PM

Sorry to hear, I hope you are able to replace quickly.

rwj53 · 02-15-2008, 03:03 PM

Why can't they replace one panel? It only makes sence that if one gets dinged up that you would only want to replace the damaged one. Who wants unused body panels laying around. Are they nuts. I thought that this was the whole idea of interchangable panels to save on body work and keep the cost down.

StevenM1TX · 02-15-2008, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwj53

Why can't they replace one panel? It only makes sence that if one gets dinged up that you would only want to replace the damaged one. Who wants unused body panels laying around. Are they nuts. I thought that this was the whole idea of interchangable panels to save on body work and keep the cost down.

Did I miss seeing where someone said they couldn't replace one? Chill.

bmx43 · 02-15-2008, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwj53

Why can't they replace one panel? It only makes sence that if one gets dinged up that you would only want to replace the damaged one. Who wants unused body panels laying around. Are they nuts. I thought that this was the whole idea of interchangable panels to save on body work and keep the cost down.

i don't think anybody is saying that you can't. however, there will always be slight variations in paint color with different batches no matter how hard you try to match it. especially with metallic paints. it's very possible that somebody could order a new hood and then reject it because the color is a hair off. then what?

rwj53 · 02-15-2008, 03:09 PM

I jumped the gun and reread your post. Let us know how long it takes to get fixed and hopefully only one panel.

SMARTIEPANTS · 02-15-2008, 03:10 PM

the parts guy at Indy said the little hood on the front was $140 but that's was the only one he had a price on at that time,, 3 weeks ago

prm1177 · 02-15-2008, 03:17 PM

The parts person at Smart SF just called. The panel can be ordered in my color for $180. I went ahead and ordered it and will let you all know when it's in.

I just ran over what it will take to replace. You have to pull the side skirts, rear valence, and the tailgate to replace the rear quarter panel. Sounds like an interesting afternoon's work.

So far, I'm very impressed. This bodes well for future ownership costs.

BeSmart · 02-15-2008, 03:23 PM

prm1177, our condolecenses on your wounded smartie. We are waiting to hear of his rapid recovery. Glad you were unharmed.

skyzdlimit59 · 02-15-2008, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prm1177

The parts person at Smart SF just called. The panel can be ordered in my color for $180. I went ahead and ordered it and will let you all know when it's in.

I just ran over what it will take to replace. You have to pull the side skirts, rear valence, and the tailgate to replace the rear quarter panel. Sounds like an interesting afternoon's work.

So far, I'm very impressed. This bodes well for future ownership costs.

I'd say $180 is a good deal for a crunch that would cost much more if it was metal. Glad to hear it will be mended soon.