Well damn this crappy waeather....

Due to a falling tree I have to ask, does anyone know can you replace A pillars on cars and if so what sort of money are you looking at. It isn't the octy, but I'm just trying to work out wether it is time to start looking or not a problem.

Also if the A pillar hasa few dents in it will this compromise the structure or would it be ok to just use as is?

Ta

you probably can, but I wouldn't drive/be in a car that's had either/both of it's A pillars replaced, that doesn't have a full FIA approved 6-point roll-cage fitted

i wouldn't think a few dents would be a problem , all depending how bad they are , bodyshops can pull small dents out with special tools , then fill and paint as required .

replacing the A-pillar would be a big job , depending where the joins are for the roof ,wings etc , screen out , loads of paint work

replacing the A-pillar would be a big job , depending where the joins are for the roof ,wings etc , screen out , loads of paint work

A very big job. Make sure you take it too a very good bodyshop- one with VAG approval, for a start.

It's a MK I focus, so I don't think VAG approval is an issue.

I wouldn't be happy with a filler repair tbh but the dents are about 1-2" one isn't deep, the others i'm not sure wether it got to the inner part of the pillar or not.

could theoretically be popped out from the inside, then a light filler to smooth it over is about the best you're gonna get

How about a nice focus convertible?

So seriously then guys, A pillar, windscreenand side window, write off or not?

Car is about 4 years old.

I don't think so.

A new windscreen will cost you 50 quid on your insurance and the skin of the A-pillar can be pulled out , filled and resprayed cheaply enough. That just leaves a new side window to be fitted from a scrappy.

Furbys aside , cars very rarely get rolled unless you are driving like a **** and I don't think there will have been any significant loss in strength.

I take it the car isn't insured fully comp?

like I said, I wouldn't be happy driving it if the damage was significant

It's a MK I focus, so I don't think VAG approval is an issue.

Sorry, assumed skoda. Just be careful. As a guide, IME the ones 'reccomended' by insurers are ****e. Presumably there's a ford approved paint & body too?

Will depend on what sort of condition the roof is in, repairing an A-Pillar is not too bad - but if it has to be replaced that's a much bigger job.

A pillar is dented, and yes it is insured fully comp.

Am just trying to work out if we should start looking for a replacement as this can take a long time or if it will be fine.

Regarding the repair, I personally wouldn't be happy with a filler job on a car that isn't quite 4 years old and it wouldn't be repairing the car to it's previous condition.

Filler is always noticable and would seriously hurt the resale value of the car if anyone should find there is damage in that area.

I've heard of it being done on classics. I won't comment further without photos of the damage.

The A pillar has an outer skin and the internal structure that has the strength. As long as the dent is not deep enough to disturb the inner skin I dont see a problem. The outer skin is just cosmetic.

Yep, but my point was that if it is an insurance job, then anyone you sell the car to will see A pillar damage, and run a mile. I know i would.

Problem is one hasn't damaged the inner as it is too shallow, but the other one might have :(

not got any pics of the damage cheezemonkhai ?

Affraid not, i will try and get some back at parents place.

The lower dent is about 10cm up from base of the a pillar and about 3-5mm deep.

The upper one is probably another 40-50cm up the pillar, and approximately 5-10mm deep. The upper dent looks like the outer skin may be pushed against something by the way it has cracked the paint and also appears that it may infact have cracked the outer skin itself.

Soon find out insurance co took it to have a look at.