Update response:
MOTOR feedback: A breakpoint would be a hard stopping point in a undetectable area that may be covered by a molding or the panel edge. The image sent would not be considered a breakpoint or panel edge.

Estimated Release Date: Closed
Proposed Resolution: MOTOR stated:
After review, when refinishing a “Welded-On Panel” the requirement is to refinish to the nearest “Break-Point”, because creating a Blend-Line at a “Non-Break Point” may result in “Refinish Deterioration”.

Your example; “Repairing the Quarter Panel and the Outer Surface of those parts will require some type of refinishing. The time necessary to perform this type of operation should be estimated after an on-the-spot evaluation of required procedure. MOTOR recommends these factors be considered before finalizing any repair cost estimate.

Please note:
According to the “Guide To Estimating: Refinish Clear Coat Application,” “Most major paint manufacturers recommend that when performing refinish repairs on an OEM base coat/clear coat or multistage finishes, the application of clear coat must be extended to the nearest panel edge or breakpoint to qualify for their lifetime refinish warranties.”

According to the “Guide To Estimating: CLEAR COAT UNDAMAGED PANEL”, the labor allowance is established by calculating 40% of the non-overlapped “BASIC COLOR COAT APPLICATION” allowance for the same component published in the MOTOR database. It is important to emphasize this 40% formula is intended for use in only those instances when applying clear coat to a panel that is connected seamlessly to an adjacent panel that’s being refinished. Calculations for “CLEAR COAT UNDAMAGED PANEL” are based upon the outer surface only and should not include additions for underside, inside, or edges of the clear-coated panel. There should be no overlap deduction between refinished or clear-coated panel(s), nor should this procedure be applied towards the maximum clear coat allocation. The allowance for “CLEAR COAT UNDAMAGED PANEL” is based on the clear already mixed for the balance of the vehicle.

According to the “Guide To Estimating: Blend allowance is calculated using 50% of the non-overlapped, base panel refinish time for the same component published in the MOTOR database. It is important to emphasize this 50% formula is intended for use in only those instances when applying color onto the initial panel and continuing onto an undamaged adjacent panel, in order to achieve proper color transition or match between the new paint and the existing paint. The blend formula is not intended for estimating time that may be required to refinish any panel with damage. It is MOTOR’s position that damaged panel estimating is a process best reserved for the judgment of an estimator / appraiser following a thorough on the spot evaluation of the specific vehicle and damage in question.

MOTOR’s blend allowance includes clear coat, and our formula assumes that the color and clear have already been mixed for the balance of the vehicle. Tinting of a color would be performed during the initial preparation steps, not during the blend process and would not be included.