Home » How-to » Body & Interior » Exterior » How to Replace a Rear Body Panel

How to Replace a Rear Body Panel

for all vehicles ( View guide for your vehicle )
Parts needed: Suggest Parts
Body Panel
Tools needed: Suggest Tools
Worklight Trim Panel Removal Tool Set
(Show)
Estimated Costs:

DIY Costs
Est. $168.32 parts only
Shop Costs
Est. $775.69 in parts and labor
Costs are based on averages for all vehicles.

Guide Steps

Contributor(s) to this Article - Add to this Guide
1
 
Inspect the rear body panel. edit step - submit photo
2
 
Remove the bumper assembly. edit step - submit photo
3
 
Remove any tail lamps or accessories (such as latches) that may be attached. edit step - submit photo
Bumper and lights removed
4
 
Remove the right and left trunk side trim. edit step - submit photo
5
 
Remove the rear panel. edit step - submit photo
6
 
Remove the floor cover. edit step - submit photo
7
 
Remove the spare tire if present. edit step - submit photo
8
 
Remove or lower the exhaust system. edit step - submit photo
9
 
Remove any electrical wiring that is connected or hanging in the way. edit step - submit photo
10
 
Remove the fuel tank if necessary. edit step - submit photo
11
 
Cut the rear body panel out and remove from the vehicle. edit step - submit photo
12
 
Clean up the adjacent parts to prepare for installation on the new panel. edit step - submit photo
13
 
Complete any other repairs to the surrounding parts such as the floor, rails, and inner outer quarters. edit step - submit photo
14
 
Pre-fit the new rear body panel to check for clearance. edit step - submit photo
15
 
Install a new rear body panel by welding it on. edit step - submit photo
16
 
Apply the seam sealer to the entire edge of the rear body panel. edit step - submit photo
17
 
Check for proper fit and alignment to the adjacent parts. edit step - submit photo
18
 
Apply primer to the entire panel. edit step - submit photo
19
 
Apply the basecoat paint to the entire panel. edit step - submit photo
20
 
Bake or dry the painted panel. edit step - submit photo
21
 
Reinstall the parts that were removed: exhaust, fuel tank, suspension, wiring, and trim panels. edit step - submit photo
22
 
Install the new reinforcement. edit step - submit photo
23
 
Install the new absorber. edit step - submit photo
24
 
Install the new bumper cover. edit step - submit photo
25
 
Road test vehicle to verify rear body panel repair. edit step - submit photo
Did you find this guide helpful?   Helpful   Not really
 

Your Garage

We'll align your AutoMD experience to your current vehicle.

Select your vehicle so we can provide exact information, estimates and recommendations that match your vehicle