Aftermarket Sheetmetal?

[SUBARU3]

Quick question ...your thoughts?

 

I have some hail damage on my 95 Legacy hood. (It stuck out a bit from the carport during a nasty Texas hailstorm). Hood is original, and of course no rust...(TX car). I have a GREAT PDR (Paintless dent repair),guy who can clear 95% of the hail for $150. (No bondo)

 

I also bought a new aftermarket hood and now I'm thinking I'd rather keep the original hood. The car is being repainted one way or another. I will just now have to paint the underside, if I use the new one.

 

Should I just use keep the original, or replace? Why am I so torn on this???? Are the aftermarket panels bad?

Edited January 22, 2012 by SUBARU3

[Quidam]

Hey,

 

Under your circomstances, I'd keep the original hood because all aftermarket Subaru panels I've seen just arent the same quality. From what I've seen, they will even rust quickly. Less expensive, for a good reason.

 

Doug

[idosubaru]

95% for $150 sounds great to me and is definitely what i would do, but that just comes down to opinion. $150 to be done with it and save the time involved in removing panels, painting, delivering, picking up, is worth a lot to me too.

 

if that %5 bothers you and you want perfect then the new hood sprayed by a professional painter you trust would be a great option. i wouldn't price shop too much on paint, i'd go for quality on automotive finishes if you're paying someone to do it.

[SUBARU3]

I'm kinda inclined to keep it original. I just look at my "new" hood and think it's NEW...WOW. But it's not the right option to use it in this case.

 

I would need new emission underhood labels.

I would need to install and align.

It would need the underside painted. (over spray MESS on engine I'm sure)

AND I need a fender ding fixed anyway.

 

Guess I made my decision.

 

Thanks guys!

 

Todd