I just bought a 97 rear ended integra. They repaired it, but not good enough.

The part that holds the tail lights, tailgate, and trunk latch is bent and gashed.

I can actually see the pavement through a gash in the sheet metal when looking down into the trunk area.

Can this be welded out? My hatch doesn't close correctly either.

 

I believe what your talking about is called a "rear body panel". They CAN be repaired, but in a body shop they typically are only repaired to a certain extent. Replacing is easy for a body tech, but if you dont know what your doing it should not be attempted...or you will end up with what you already have.
I have actually been doing one on a 09 Civic at work the past 2 days. The panel new from honda was only $145, and pays 7.0hrs to replace. Then add R&I times on lights, bumper, interior trim (if not included) which will add another 3 or more hours. If the car was hacked up (like it sounds) additional times would be required. I would expect a estimate of $700 + at a shop easily to just replace the rear body panel.

 

you need the foor pulled and probably a new rear body panel. your lift gate wont close because the bodypanel is sucked down causing the striker to be in the wrong spot.

you might also want to check the rear rienforcement bar (under the bumper) and frame rails

 

Thanks for the replies.

What could be causing the evenly spaced big gaps on the sides of the hatch, when closed?

 

Also, I can't find a rear body panel replacement for the Integra, online. I see them for the Accord and other cars, but not the Integra.

Are these parts something I can purchase at Acura?

 

The uneven gaps are from the car being hit in the rear and not pulled correctly. When hit center in the rear it will push the quarters out. You should look more into the car. Pull the trunk carpet out and look for crushed area, I would crawl under and check for kinks in the rear rails. At the least it would need to be measured. Setup and measure are usually 2-3hrs plus pull time .
I highly recommend taking it to a shop. This is a weld in panel, if not done right all your gaps will be off and the trunk will likely leak.

 

you can go to the Acura stealership, but it's going to be pricey. I'd search local salvage yards first before going there. Have you checked out www.car-parts.com

 

Yea I've seen it done. Pricey tho