Replace rear body?

[Taytor]

The previous owner of my 89 golf gl either backed into a pole, or got rear-ended.

The piece right below the rear hatch, and the piece behind the bumper are bent in at the middle.
The area where the spare tire is was also slightly pushed in. The rear hatch still works fine.
(Looks like she backed center into a pole really hard)

Will I be able to replace certain rear body pieces? Or will I have to replace the entire car body?

Pics:





I think the accident also twisted the hatch a little bit. It sits flush on the left side, but not the right.

Driver.


Passenger.

[Taytor]

Will post pictures tonight.

[Taytor]

Pictures up.

Ive seen websites and places where I can get the different panels.

Any advice on what I should do?

[Jonesy02719]

I'd start with a stud welder and a slide hammer to try and pull the dent out as much as possible. The hatch is out of alignment because it tweaked the locking mechanism ever so slightly.

That panel is pretty flimsy and you should be able to pull most of it out, but you'll have to check all the other reinforcements. Some of the creases may be problematic as well, and you may have to weld in some sheet metal patches. I don't really think you need to worry about a full panel replacement, as it would be a lot more work that it looks to be worth. How's the metal underneath the bumper?

[Taytor]

I'd start with a stud welder and a slide hammer to try and pull the dent out as much as possible. The hatch is out of alignment because it tweaked the locking mechanism ever so slightly.

That panel is pretty flimsy and you should be able to pull most of it out, but you'll have to check all the other reinforcements. Some of the creases may be problematic as well, and you may have to weld in some sheet metal patches. I don't really think you need to worry about a full panel replacement, as it would be a lot more work that it looks to be worth. How's the metal underneath the bumper?

Ill have to take the rear bumper off this weekend when I get home. From what I've seen, the metal beneath the bumper looks pushed in as well.

[Taytor]

Ok so I havnt taken off the rear bumper yet, but it is a little dented in.

Do you really think a slide hammer will get the job done? Even IF I get the panel straightened out, I hate the idea of putting bondo or body filler on the car in order to get a smooth finish.

[Jonesy02719]

If you weld in a repair panel, you'll be using a plethora of filling material (All Metal, filler aka Bondo, and glazing putty) to get it right. You won't repair that without using filler. No way.

A dent puller/stud gun could get a lot of that out. It isn't going to do jack ****e for the creases, but it should be able to get to the point where you can smooth it out with filler. Of course, I am saying all of this without having any idea how bad it is underneath the bumper.

My car:

[Taytor]

After looking at it after getting back home, it does seem that you guys are correct.

The driver and passenger sides of the panel look to be just fine. Its just the middle that is pushed in.

The metal behind the bumper isnt bad at all. Maybe a whack or two with a hammer, and the little dent is out.

Question though: When you guys say "the creases" are you talking about the small separation from panel to panel on the passenger and driver side of the rear panel? If so, then they dont look that bad.

Im not sure what kind of filler material is in the "creases", but it doesnt look to be messed up too bad.

[Taytor]

I also found 2 rust spots that I will have to cut out and patch.

Fun.