Need Advice: damage repair

[Joneii]

Before Thanksgiving someone hit my Lightning while we were traveling to visit family. Luckily nobody was hurt and both vehicles were drivable. The Lightning had very little damage (see photo) and the other guy’s insurance is covering all of the costs.
When I took it to the collision center (Ford certified) they said that because the aluminum rear side panel had a nickel size hole, it should be replaced. They ordered the parts and we waited. Several weeks ago the parts arrived and I took my truck in for repair. When they were taking it apart they found some more damage in a support brace near the rear wheel well. They ordered that part and we waited some more. Now that part arrived, but when they went to do the replacement they realized that the pallet that purportedly held the rear side panel did not have the rear side panel. They blame Ford for not sending it and now saying that it isn’t available and there is no timeline on availability.
Of course the truck is ripped apart and taking up room on their property, so now they say they can repair the damage because they have really skilled technicians. I told them to plan on still replacing the side panel, but I don’t know if the parts wait is weeks or months. Does anyone know if repairing the aluminum hole is valid and why initially the “right” way to fix it was to replace the panel? My gut feeling is that I should wait no matter how long it takes, but I have no experience with this kind of work. Any advice is appreciated.

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[Joneii]

Also, does anyone know if there any issues with my truck just sitting outside with no bed? I’m sure all of the components are sealed, but I wonder if UV damage or snow and ice exposure could create any issues. On a side note; the truck did update OTA with the DTE update. I was a little surprised since it is in several pieces!

 

[jazzmanmonty]

I would show up there with a tarp and bungees and ask them to put it in or if u can do it yourself.

When mine got hit in the same spot but drivers side, it didn't leave a hole but buckled and creased the aluminum. The first collision shop said they'd need to order a new bed because it couldn't be fixed. Long story short, they tried charing insurance a premium since it's an EV, which insurance denied. I finally found a Ford dealership that does collision repairs and they were able to repair without bed or panel swap and it looks like new. So I think their body guy may just not wanna do it or isn't confident in his skills.

I can't find a better picture right not of mine but this will kinda give u idea.

 

[Henry Ford]

My opinion only...

Maybe they will agree to fix it their way and you'll accept it as long as you are happy with it. My idea of 'happy' would be no signs of repair inside or out. If it works you'll have a drivable truck much sooner.

In theory everything under the bed should be waterproof. In reality it would never get wet as long as the bed was on the vehicle. Plus, it's a first gen EV. On one hand I genuinely hold Ford engineers in high esteem. On the other hand, Ford engineers are constrained by the limitations their evil overlords in the accounting department put on them. In conclusion...

Questions I have...

1. Why isn't this part available? It is my understanding body parts from the cab back are standard F150 parts. It's the best selling vehicle in America, there should be a panel available. Probably worth some more investigation.

2. How will they repair it? All body filler? No thanks! Weld in a new panel? Maybe. As I said above, a proper repair would be no indication of repair inside or out. It's aluminum so rust isn't a concern like steel would be.

3.

 

[Pioneer74]

It is my understanding body parts from the cab back are standard F150 parts.

The hood, fenders and outer bodyside panels are unique to the Lightning. Everything else is shared with the ICE trucks.

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