I recently did some heavy damage to the passenger door of my 2006 Civic Si coupe. There is no frame damage as far as I can tell, since the door opens/closes fine and the window operates perfectly.

I've heard it's possible to replace the door skin ONLY, but it requires a very skilled body shop to be able to correctly cut and crimp a skin to align correctly and look factory.

Is this realistic? Would I really be saving a lot more money than replacing an entire door? I've found junkyard deals on a used door for around $850, though there is minor damage and it must be painted, so I'm not sure if it would be worth the shipping + repair + repainting.

How much do you think replacing the entire door would cost? $1500-2000 including labor?

I supposed I'm looking for someone with similar experiences, or a Honda tech who has done such a repair. I just need advice on what option I should pursue in the interest of not paying an arm and a leg.

Thanks for any input!

 

Pics would be really helpful in this instance...if you said you did heavy damage, then more likely the intrusion beam in the inside of the door has been damaged, and that calls for an automatic replacement of the door. If everything works as far as the window regulator and switches and the window is not broken, try to find a door shell, that way the shop can just swap all the guts over to the new door. As far as paint goes your looking at a not just painting the door but also blending into fender and the quarter panel.