Look at it this way, if my 2017 Ram needs a new quarter skin or door, I'd be real pi$$ed if I went into my local Dodge dealer to buy one & they said "sorry - we won't sell that to you." I can weld/install both.

Depending upon the manufacturer and the vehicle, you may end up having to go with used parts. Just keep in mind that if it happens, it's not the dealership saying they won't sell it to you...it's them telling you that the manufacturer won't let them sell it to you. Be pi$$ed, but direct it where it belongs.

selling you a 1/4 panel would be no problem, IF the part is actually available anymore.. a replacement frame or a partial frame MIGHT be a problem, but i really don't think it would. the restricted sales parts i am talking about contain high or ultra high strength steel. to install these parts properly you usually need a squeeze they resistant spot welder or a silicon bronze mig-braze welder. most full frame truck frames are made out of regular strength steel.

at least by me. with the prices of used southern rust free boxes these days. it might be better to just buy a new salvage box over repairing the damaged 1/4 panel one. our shop did this on the last 3 box sides that needed to be replaced.

And to clarify, my last comment was not specifically related to a door or box side on a Ram, but rather a general statement about buying OEM crash parts.

Lots of opinions here from folks that must not be familiar with the industry and how things work.

The VW SUV in the pics should not be repaired in my humble opinion. It should get a 'junking' certificate. As usual, the regulations are way behind where the industry is. Not everything should be repaired. There should be limits. But who sets them and how they are applied and then the tremendous variations make that nearly impossible. Then those units would only be exported. That big NAFTA sucking sound that Ross Perot warned us about.

This is a very complicated subject and one with no simple answers. But things could be better with more guidance from our regulators. I could get behind guidance that would cause structurally damaged vehicles to only go to a certified shop or be junked. But then, what may be considered structural on one vehicle may not be on another. In the end, every single vehicle would need to have their structural components identified. Quite a job.

And then, more vehicles would simply not be classed as 'salvage' in order to avoid all those issues. We are already starting to see insurance companies selling damaged vehicles with 'clean' or non-branded titles. Lots and lots of money in play.

Toyota backs off bad idea linky

Toyota 'Reviewing' Key Fob Remote Start Subscription Plan After Massive Blowback

A spokesperson told The Drive that making the key fob remote start part of a subscription plan was an "unintentional" move.

Sure, we believe you...