Vehicle/body repair

😞I hate to even bring up this subject but...

The Aptera has a unique body.

Will an auto body shop be able to repair? Are repairs simple panel replacement? ( I understand there aren’t that many. Ten composite key structural parts.

Can the panels be repaired like fiberglas or some other past composite substrate panel?

8 comments

8 Comments

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Kerbe #12705

Dec 22, 2020

@Len As there are very few composite-bodied cars on the road I'm guessing that body shops will not invest in hiring composite specialists and any bodywork will need to be done by someone trained to work with boats or airplanes, or shipped back to the factory.

Riley

Dec 21, 2020

My biggest concern is the vehicles unibody shell. Having micro channels with fluid flowing all over the skin would mean its impossible to patch like fiberglass and would require a whole body replacement.

Rhynri

Dec 21, 2020

Replying to

This is true, but it's also incredibly strong. It can take repeated sledgehammer blows and deflection of six inches without permanent deformation.

Harry Parker

Feb 12, 2021

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Replying to

@Rhynri Yes, if your wrap is torn, replace it. If the solar panel is scratched a bit, buff it out. But if the structural shell cracks or is punctured, you will need to replace it, just as if your car's frame was bent in a bad collision.

I just heard that all the wheel struts can be replaced by any mechanically inclined person if they are damaged.

Unknown member

Dec 08, 2020

Aptera is a strong believer of the right to repair. So they will assist all owners to get parts and information on a repair.

Suresh Subawickrama

Jun 12, 2020

I think the car should be an open source kit. If something fails or the car is crashed it would be cool if the owner could self repair. They should have indicators on the front crash assembly that provide a guide on what structural components may be compromised and should be replaced. I've had a level 6 frontal crash as per left compression strut, for some $$ aptera sends me recommended replacement parts.

barry.hendriks

Feb 11, 2021

Replying to

In a DIY kit the #APTERA can be shipped to any place on earth. As a DIY kit it should also cost less in local import taxes. The only component that could be in trouble are the batteries as batteries are considered hazardous material and not allowed on normal shipping.

I personally think Chris and Steve should consider the release of DIY kits to a few countries prior to going into full production later in 2021 or 2022. This way they will have real life running advertisements self promoting the #APTERA all over the world.

Harry Parker

Feb 12, 2021

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Replying to

@barry.hendriks Theoretically, you could buy one of every replacement part and use the repair manual to build your own. Of course, that would be much more expensive as buying a car in parts costs many times the cost of a whole car. 😀