i got quoted at 1200 dollars to fix this rust. I really am not in the loop for body work prices but wasnt figuring that much. how much should something like that cost generally speaking? the inner panel is solid its just those few spots and a bit of light surface rust on the lip of the wheel well.

 

That's way too much if they are not painting the complete quarter. What are they doing exactly?

This is minimal rust, why not fix it yourself?

 

i despise body work. id rather cut down an acre of trees with a hacksaw lol. he said they would be cutting it out and welding some metal back in but not replacing the entire quarter panel

 

got an estimate from another local body shop today, right about 850 bucks. both places said they would probably have to replace metal up to near where the gas tank fill is because its always worse on the inside. both also said they would have to paint the quarter.

id really hate to spend this much on a car thats probably only worth 4000 but i just did a ton of suspension, motor, and chassis work so the rest of the car is good to go for a few more years

 

if you wanted to replace the whole quarter panel, fixmyrust sells panels for $40 a piece

 

That's about right, and that's not surface rust, its rust coming through the back side. Being in that location is fun because you have pinch welds and body filler in there. Most shops charge 65 per hr and that's about 8 hrs of bodywork.
You also have the difference of type of paint and quality so you get what you pay for.

 

Is that the front or rear? If it was the front, a new panel and matching paint isn't terribly difficult. If it is the rear, you are looking at a lot of labor to remove the panel and reweld in something that is solid.

 

rear drivers side so i have to look at it every time i get in the car...

i think im going to with the place that quoted me 850. their work is more than decent (not the best in town but still good) plus the guy lives up the block from me and i have no issues with supporting local businesses.

if it was the front i would have already gotten a new fender and repainted it. I have a reasonable paint gun and variable speed buffer and have painted body panels before that came out good. I have not messed with metal replacement however and dont feel like doing it myself

 

I have my own shop, This doesn't sound ridiculous at all. The rust never looks as bad as it is. Every rust repair I do I calculate like 10 more hours of labor because most likely its through the panel because its been rusting for some time, started from the inside of the panel and is just now showing. So, keep in mind it's and estimate. Although, I also think they will do it right and do an awesome job, they're quoting realistic prices. The cheaper shop will most likely do the same job just use more cheap paint or they just are looking to get more work and will do the same quality and just are looking to build their business.