Rivian R1T Body Sides!! ?

[Mjhirsch78]

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*Truck sides looking forward to a bright, yellow spa session*

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[805Badger]

?

Never before has metal generated so much wood...

 

[aw113sgte]

Just like many other cars, they will cut and weld. That' how they replaced the one on my model 3...

It's just unfortunate as cost would be high, alignment of panel likely to not be as good, body filler will be used, corrosion likely at weld seam.

 

[trickflow]

It's just unfortunate as cost would be high, alignment of panel likely to not be as good, body filler will be used, corrosion likely at weld seam.

Absolutely! I near fell off my chair when the body shop charged $15k to do the work. When people build cars like this it is reflected in the insurance. But this seems to be the trend.

 

[jjwolf120]

corrosion likely at weld seam.

You do know the panels are aluminum right?

 

[aw113sgte]

You do know the panels are aluminum right?

I did not, most I've heard is aluminum, steel, carbon fiber are all used...but not where they are used.

That said, aluminum also has corrosion issues although generally less than steels.

 

[Canthoney]

I did not, most I've heard is aluminum, steel, carbon fiber are all used...but not where they are used.

That said, aluminum also has corrosion issues although generally less than steels.

It oxidizes, but it won’t corrode so I wouldn’t worry about it.

 

[godfodder0901]

It oxidizes, but it won’t corrode so I wouldn’t worry about it.

Right, but it's a little more difficult to weld, and not all shops can weld aluminum properly.

 

[aw113sgte]

It oxidizes, but it won’t corrode so I wouldn’t worry about it.

It absolutely does corrode. It does not rust as that term is resolved for ferrous materials.

 

[SoCal Rob]

Not going to be good if you take a hit to the quarter panel...good luck replacing that whole piece.

It shouldn’t be any worse than other pickups with integrated beds like Chevy Avalanche and Honda Ridgeline.

Actually, I think the only type of vehicle with metal body panels that doesn’t have this issue is a pickup with a bed not integrated into the cab. I don’t recall, did Rivian ever show an R1T where the bed was separated from the cab?

Pretty much every other modern vehicle has the same issue with the rear quarters: SUVs, crossovers, sedans, coupes, convertibles, wagons, etc. Maybe I’m missing something but this doesn’t seem like a situation which is unique to Rivian.

On the other hand, an unpainted metal exterior adds complexity to repairs since you can’t paint over the repaired surface. I seem to recall that’s why some DeLoreans got painted.

 

[godfodder0901]

did Rivian ever show an R1T where the bed was separated from the cab?

No.

 

[SANZC02]

It shouldn’t be any worse than other pickups with integrated beds like Chevy Avalanche and Honda Ridgeline.

Actually, I think the only type of vehicle with metal body panels that doesn’t have this issue is a pickup with a bed not integrated into the cab. I don’t recall, did Rivian ever show an R1T where the bed was separated from the cab?

Pretty much every other modern vehicle has the same issue with the rear quarters: SUVs, crossovers, sedans, coupes, convertibles, wagons, etc. Maybe I’m missing something but this doesn’t seem like a situation which is unique to Rivian.

On the other hand, an unpainted metal exterior adds complexity to repairs since you can’t paint over the repaired surface. I seem to recall that’s why some DeLoreans got painted.

I agree, they have been doing this for decades. Even a detached bed has large stamped panels that are welded when repaired and not bolted on. This is not an issue for a professional body shop, just need one that specializes in aluminum, they are out there. Many cars these days have aluminum body panels, I think ford has even been doing it in their F150 since 2015 or 2016.

Cost of repairs these days are more based on designed collision crumple zones than large stamped body panels.

 

[Sully151]

Looks like Costco.

 

[Eager2own]

Looks like Costco.

If getting my R1T means I have to walk out of there with a pack of three, I’m willing to do that.
I’d prefer that to Rivian following the IKEA model — here are four boxes, an Allen wrench and a book of instructions.*
* required bottles of wine not included.

 

[Rhidan]

Right, but it's a little more difficult to weld, and not all shops can weld aluminum properly.

They glue/bolt aluminum panels on. You don't weld aluminum.

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