Rust repair, sill (cut out and weld in repair section, per side): how much does it cost?

Q: How much does rust repair, sill (cut out and weld in repair section, per side) cost in New Zealand?

Typically NZ$940–NZ$2,360 including GST at a NZ$120 an hour workshop rate (A$1,030–A$2,540 in Australia at A$140 an hour).

Typically NZ$940–NZ$2,360 in New Zealand and A$1,030–A$2,540 in Australia, including GST. Most cars.

	Parts (trade)	Labour	Sublet	Total incl GST
New Zealand	NZ$80–NZ$300	6–14 h	—	NZ$940–NZ$2,360
Australia	A$75–A$280	6–14 h	—	A$1,030–A$2,540

Totals use a standard workshop rate of NZ$120 or A$140 an hour and a 25% parts markup, plus GST. Your workshop's rate and parts prices will differ.

What affects the price

Repair section steel, seam sealer, primer and paint. Structural sill rust is a WOF fail in NZ and must be cut back to sound steel; inner sill rot or jacking-point damage adds hours.

Other body, paint, glass and interior repairs

Bumper scuff or corner scrape repair and resprayNZ$430–NZ$840
Bumper scuff repair and respray (European, parking sensors)NZ$610–NZ$1,140
Bumper cover replace and paint (car, aftermarket cover)NZ$980–NZ$1,830
Bumper replace and paint (SUV / ute)NZ$1,270–NZ$2,550
Bumper replace and paint (European, sensors or radar)NZ$2,270–NZ$5,340
Panel respray, door or front guard (incl. blend)NZ$530–NZ$1,090
Panel respray, bonnet or roofNZ$720–NZ$1,460
Panel respray (European or 3-coat pearl colour)NZ$910–NZ$1,750
Clear coat peel respray, bonnetNZ$880–NZ$1,620
Clear coat peel respray, roofNZ$1,030–NZ$1,780

Researched by Credov in October 2026 from NZ and Australian parts suppliers and workshop price guides. Typical ranges, not quotes: ask a workshop for a quote before you rely on a price. All repair costs.