Remember, the fuel tank is behind that panel (if by left side you mean driver's side)...and the only way to remove it is to pull the engine...so you'd better be confident that it has not been bent and stressed enough to crack later when the insurance company has paid off on the body work and you end up footing the bill for an engine pull.
You really did that car up right when you got it. I know we're all bummed for you.
Mooso
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