Has anyone had Atlas Cedar re-painted?

[midlifecrisis]

I came home today to see a nice little present on my Atlas Cedar X5 35d. Has anyone had this color repaired? I'm a little concerned about the color match and I'm wondering whether it might be better trying PDR and buffing it out - even if the result isn't perfect. I'd feel better about a proper repair if someone has had good results. I'm also curious as to how much the repair might cost. Damage is limited to the door. Thanks!

[The Libertine]

No experience with the color, but first recommended the PDR and buffing. Always better to start with the simpler option. It won’t be perfect due to damage to the line contour (to your point) but if you’re ultimately satisfied, likely saved yourself a nice chunk of $$$$.

Sorry to see the damage though, and hope the repair goes well!

[tlow98]

Buff, then PDR then touch up.

Or, if you can find it buy a junkyard door in your color. Car-part.com is a good resource. If you can find one I’d likely just go that route right from the start.

The match from a repaint will likely be fine from most any shop that knows what they are doing. They will have to blend with the front quarter and the rear door anyway. Standard practice. If they don’t do that then they’re not a good shop to start with.

[Variante Alta]

Agreed on the Car-part option. The rare color may doom you but worth a try. I bought a door for my 2009 TTS that is (surprisingly) rare in red - perfect match and $250. I suspect you'll have a hard time making that disappear to your satisfaction with the crease. Sucks. Good shops will match well and blend…never the same as original but that's a low rust risk area (a serious problem with so many painted panel repairs). Hope it works out well…your X5 is worth a good repair.

[Djhumvee]

The problem with a junkyard door is the color could be off even if it hasn't ever been painted. The other problem is it could have been painted and repaired at some point in the past. I'm in and out of multiple body shops every day for my job and I see a lot of used parts being sent back.. you could get lucky or you could not. The damage is in the center of the door, you should be able to blend it within the door and not have to go into the rear door or fender. The next issue is finding a good shop, most suck. I work for every body shop local to me and there's only 2 I would bring my own vehicle to, you'll have to do your research.. Stay away from any dealer or chain.

[midlifecrisis]

I think I'm going to try PDR on the lower dent and just leave the scratch at the top. I have some touch up paint to fill it. There's no paint damage other than the scratch on top. I cleaned it up with a light compound and most of the paint damage disappeared. I'll be OK with it if PDR can get most of that lower dent out.