Front end collision, Need help with repairs.

[moetan]

if you are having to ask this many question then you really dont need to be doing this yourself. they are pretty easy to get in and out but it takes some specialty tools like a spot weld cutting bit and a welder, and if you weld the new one in just a little bit out of place everything on the front of the car will be mis-aligned. Simple solution would be get a come-a-long and a chain and slowly pull it back in place. I'm not trying to be an ass, just don't wanna see you mess up the front of the car even more b/c of lack of collision repair knoledge.

[Dobermann]

if you are having to ask this many question then you really dont need to be doing this yourself. they are pretty easy to get in and out but it takes some specialty tools like a spot weld cutting bit and a welder, and if you weld the new one in just a little bit out of place everything on the front of the car will be mis-aligned. Simple solution would be get a come-a-long and a chain and slowly pull it back in place. I'm not trying to be an ass, just don't wanna see you mess up the front of the car even more b/c of lack of collision repair knoledge.

I asked this many questions. I also read many different threads on HT about how to fix it too, just to make sure I did everything perfect.

If he has a welder to fix it, I assume that he will have a grinder and zip discs.

As the the replacement vs pulling it back out. The structural integrity of the metal is comprised. The metal is well past the yield point. There is no way you can say that a come along and chain is more accurate than cutting and replacing with a new rad support.

[9DUBWISE]

Aftermarket radiator supports do not fit very well. You will have to make it work.

[Dobermann]

My rad support from Carquest lined up perfect. The lower rad hole was off by about 1", but that took all of 12 minutes to drill out 4 RSW and reweld them.

[9DUBWISE]

My rad support from Carquest lined up perfect. The lower rad hole was off by about 1", but that took all of 12 minutes to drill out 4 RSW and reweld them.

You got lucky. Its not usually that easy. But OEM fits with no problem. It is pricey.

[ONEKLEAN91]

IF all the damage is up top hook a chain to a tree and put the car in reverse and pull! She"ll come back into place

[TracieS]

Hell me my dad and some friends bought a case of beer and pulled the backhoe out and pulled my front end only reason you can tell is because the front of the car is gray lol.

[ray ray]

if you were in arizona i could fix that easy for you in a day. i just did mine and it came back almost perfect now im just playing with it till everything is perfect. you cant even tell mine was in a accident now. replacing it will be much harder and they usually dont line up well. just take your time pull slowly and keep checking till it comes back out straight. but biggest thing slow and easy.

[moetan]

I asked this many questions. I also read many different threads on HT about how to fix it too, just to make sure I did everything perfect.

If he has a welder to fix it, I assume that he will have a grinder and zip discs.

As the the replacement vs pulling it back out. The structural integrity of the metal is comprised. The metal is well past the yield point. There is no way you can say that a come along and chain is more accurate than cutting and replacing with a new rad support.

Thats exactly what I'm saying. To do it right you need a welder, spot weld drill bit, grinder, tram gauge and all of the OEM underhood specs to make sure it is welded in right.

[JohnD1079]

finally some sound advice.

[SilverShadow]

I know from reading his replies, that this is way beyond his mechanical ability. I don't know where in SO.CAL he is but he may need to save his money to be able to get it done correctly at a good body shop out here. Let the guys that know how do it and do it right. This don't look like a project for a Sunday afternoon mechanic. I had the Coupe worked on after an accident and my buddy still couldn't get it all lined up. The fender and corner light will forever have a 1/4 inch gap. This was on the flatbed. I don't have a current picture yet. That photo is misleading cause it doesn't show the bumper moved to the other side, the axle and boot smashed, and the frame pushed to timing belt.

[life_shift]

I fixed all the repairs myself, the damage wasnt nearly as bad as it looked in the picture once i took everything apart. The only damaged parts were: hood, radiator and overflow, radiator support, hood latch, headlights, corner lights, grille, radiator hose, a/c (but i just ended up removing the entire thing, hooray for weight savings!!!) and the frame was not bent or tweaked in any way.

All together the parts it cost me to repair it all totaled out to about $300. Not bad if i would say so. One day i will replace the radiator support and fenders so everything will line up perfectly but as for now, it drives and thats all i really need. On the plus side, my motor was unharmed so my sleeper car engine build is in full effect ;D.

[9DUBWISE]

Good deal. Congrats. Pics?

[life_shift]

will take tomorrow when i have more light outside.