Got Rear Ended, Beaver Panel Pushed In

[Wacky Dee]

I just ordered a new rear bumped 2 days ago (it's being painted now) and day later, an old blind-as-a-bat bloke smashes into the (stationary) van behind me and the van hits me - but not very hard.

The car shook violently and from all the crashing sound, I thought my whole rear end was gone .. but it looked fine, not even the rear bumper got cracked. However the beaver panel (the metal bar behind the plastic rear bumper) got pushed in and now my right tail light is a bit pushed in and doesn't line up to the boot lid. Also there's a bigger than normal gap (about 8mm) on the left hand side between the bumper and left tail light (on the underside)

All parties were insured and I've already gotten 2 smash repairers to send in their quotes to Justcar to fix the whole sorry mess but to me the damage seems superficial to be honest. I mean the rear beaver panel doesn't look that sturdy and I'm sort of tempted to try and straighten it out myself.

What sort of tools would I need to use to straighten out the metal (beaver) panel ?

The reason I'm even contemplating trying to give it a quick fix myself even though insurance would pay for a smash repairer is because it's gonna take a while before they can do this (probably mid January) and my new rear bar will be ready in a week or so and i've already paid for fitting.

When we trial fitted the new rear bar before the accident, it lined up perfectly... but I'm sure it won't be the case anymore due to the beaver panel damage. Has anyone here fixed up the beaver panel before ? What did it take ? Was it hard and how good were the results?

I'd just like to try it and if it doesn't line up correctly afterwards, the smash repairers can do it as part of the insurance job..

[sewid]

I recommend talking to Blitz on these forums. He knows all about smashing beaver panels in.

[Wacky Dee]

I don't need it smashed "in", I'd like to repair it... the smashing's already been done. Unless "smashing in" is colloquialism for fixing ..? Yes, I am easily confused.

[Beer Baron]

it's such a thin and cheap piece of metal usually a shop will align it first, then replace it with a new one. i'm guessing they use a porta power and maybe some slide hammers and some dollys and you'll be sweet. basically just take it to the panel shop is my advice.

[GTR-N1]

I would have thought Den, that if the Bever and the Bar are in anyway slightly damaged, you're insurance company JustCar will claim for both from the 'at-fault' party. Please check your old Bar again and see if there is any crazing (even within the clear) and feel slowly with your hand if there's any part that's raised or lumpy.

If so, your 'approved' panelbeater can order a new Bar (even if it's from you), your new one.

And if your old bar is replaced, see if you can keep it as a spare.

This happened with my wife's '95 Maxima, and I've still got it hanging up in the garage lol because my Mom bought one of the same. hehe

Tez

Your panelbeater will tell you also, whether or not that once a Bever is bent, it's also weakened; but I know what you're saying about it being a temp. measure just for a few weeks.

[Wacky Dee]

Yeah there's a bit of damage to the factory rear bar but it hasn't cracked .. one of the reverse lights has a small 3mm crack in it. But I'm not really fussed about either of those things and couldn't care less if they fix/repair them. I'd just like everything to line up properly and go back to factory-spec so that I can install the new rear bar without any issues.

The damage to the rear bar and reverse light isn't bad enough for me to lose any sleep over it, especially if I can put the new bar on without any gaps etc.

Edited December 14, 2008 by Delta Force

[GTR-N1]

This means though doesn't it, that if your panelbeater X2 can convince Just Car that the rear Bar sould be replaced, then the one you've already bought may be compensated for = end result, costing you next to nothing?

[Wacky Dee]

not really .. you can't get more than $200 or so for the factory GTT rear bar when selling them on SAU from what I've seen and the aftermarket rear bar I got cost about $900 supplied, painted and fitted.

But I'm going to keep the old bar as a spare just in case anyway. I just hope the panel beater doesn't give me a run around for a few weeks as it's really not a big job, which is why I was even considering trying to straighten out the beaver damage myself.

[GTR-N1]

not really .. you can't get more than $200 or so for the factory GTT rear bar when selling them on SAU from what I've seen and the aftermarket rear bar I got cost about $900 supplied, painted and fitted.

But I'm going to keep the old bar as a spare just in case anyway. I just hope the panel beater doesn't give me a run around for a few weeks as it's really not a big job, which is why I was even considering trying to straighten out the beaver damage myself.

OK, I understand.

Let us know your progress Den.

[Pal]

hey guys,

had a rear ended to a couple of months ago, my panel beater just pushed it out with a porta power and block of wood until all the panels line up. there is also a reinforcement bar between the bumper and beaver panel that my need straightening.

[Wacky Dee]

good to hear .. yeah I thought it'd be simple which is another reason why the whole thing shits me .. Since it's an insurance job the repairer will try to milk it for all it's worth and treat it like a big job, ie. won't be able to squeeze it in for repairs until mid january when it could probably be all fixed up in an hour or so with the right tools.