Our amazingly well-running 2005 Prius hybrid had a seriously rusted-out rocker panel, just ahead of the driver's side rear wheel well. I showed its problem to nearly a dozen body shops who, in theory, did this type of repair. Because it was a "hybrid" vehicle, with a high voltage traction battery, none of them were interested in doing the welding necessary to repair the Prius's rust damage. They were apparently concerned about the potential liability of damaging the vehicle's electrical system while welding on it.
Owner Ted Bibeault, of Ted's Auto & Rust Repair, took a look at what needed to be repaired, and asked me if I knew how to disconnect the Prius's electrical system. I told him I did, and he provided me with a reasonable quote to repair the rust damage. We then agreed several days later I would drop off the Prius. Less than a week later our car was repaired and ready to for me to pick up.
His shop's welding and rust repair could not have looked any more competent or professional. Once I completed the reconnection of the Prius's battery I was able to it home. This vehicle has been operating EXACTLY a well as the day I dropped it off for its repairs ever since.
Ted's Auto & Rust Repair is a total one-off, and I recommend it without qualification, both for their welding expertise, as well as their capacity to think-outside-the-box in the face of a moderately difficult welding repair, on a potentially difficult "hybrid" vehicle. read more