Pics of two pre-existing parking-related body damages attached. One is the trunk lid, and the other is the rear passenger's side rocker. I'm interested in thoughts about repair procedures and (at least in the case of the trunk lid) whether its better to repair or replace.

1. The (now cracked and broken) tail lamp garnish was was already separating from the trunk lid - with water getting into the trunk lid as a result (needed garnish R&R, with replacement butyl tape). Now that the car is spending more time parked outdoors, I seriously need to correct this issue - however, the trunk lid has also been damaged as shown (backed into another car in a parking lot). There is also damage (scratched) to the bumper cover from this collision as shown - but I barely care about that.

I already have a brand new PERFECT garnish (from my #1 Parts Finder and Fellow Orger lux97max) - however I have been reluctant to install the new garnish onto the damaged trunk lid. In addition to the obvious dent in the lower valence part of the lid, the flat lip above it (just under the tail lamp garnish) is fold-o-rama. I've also included a picture of the inside of the trunk lid (no access to the dent without cutting into the inside of the trunk lid). These details make me think it's "too much work to fix this trunk lid".

I have had a WANTED ad on this forum for a black 96-99 trunk lid for quite some time - and yet no black trunk lid has appeared at my door. New trunk lids still available from Infiniti (MSRP $640). Haven't had time recently to go a-Yarding (especially when I don't know what's available at any particular yard -what year is this anyway that we can't get inventory figures from junkyards ?

2. The rocker damage is from backing off of a curb/driveway apron...truly, truly unfortunate. Operation of the rear door is 100% unaffected by this damage. I'd like to get this fixed re: Pride only.

trunk lid damage overview CV5 = USS Yorktown FTW !

trunk lid damage close up 1

trunk lid damage close up 2

backside of trunk lid - fickle finger points to damage location on outside

passenger side rear rocker damage overview

rocker damage close up 1

rocker damage close up 2

 

 

funny

 

black paint & bondo. Easy fixes. Then a replacement garnish.