sonofmike

Hello All!

Long time 'Yota truck owner/lover short time yotatech member/lurker.

The following happened to by beloved truck and I'm looking for advice from others. I'm fairly mechanically inclined, some body shop experience as a teen.

95, 298k miles, Ext Cab

As you can see the Radiator core support took the brunt of the damage. The frame checks out within specs. I've researched a few threads on replacing the core support with similar damage and most guys say go for it. I'd appreciate any and all advice:

Thanks in advance!

Innocent Fool

As long as the frame checks out I'd say fix it. Is the fan hitting the rad? Doesn't look like it'll take much to pull the rad cradle back near position. I'd try pulling it and adjust the panels when mounting them up.

Body parts are pretty cheap for these rigs. I say fix it.

sonofmike

Rad did not hit the fan but the crash did bust the rad open.

Redeyejedi

X2 4 fix it

sonofmike

Thanks all. I'll give it a shot this weekend and report back.

Think an 8000lb come along will do the trick?

Inferno451

Come along is EXACTLY how we fixed my roommate's core support with very similar damage. We took the radiator out, put a 2x4 vertically behind the core support, hooked onto the top and bottom of the 2x4 and pulled. Came out pretty good! Won't be perfect, but definitely liveable.

Co_94_PU

iTrader: (-1)

I'll gib ya 50 bucks for it

Seriously, yeah strip it down and get to hammering. Yours is only a little bit worse off than mine was. You pulled the front body mount out, but I had a crumpled drivers fender. Mine is straight to within half an inch or so now.

I'd start at the crumple in the lower middle and work across untill the mount was close, then work behind the body mount straight, then body mount it's self, and finish at the top rail. Just try to work directly at the welds when possible so they don't pop. You'll probably need to redo some of the vinyl undercoat of course and some misc parts replacements. The battery tray reinforcment might give you a little bit of extra problems vs mine, mine wa a drivers side impact.

Don't forget to check the inner fender/apron, if the fender and door are rubbing, but it looks pretty good from here

sonofmike

Thanks for input all!

I'm feeling much better about the repair now. Will keep you all posted on my progress and results.

As you can see the A/C condenser was damaged during the wreck and depressurized.

I'm assuming it's OK to just disconnect and replace. I have limited knowledge on A/C systems. Will probably take it to a pro to recharge/refill after my panel beating party.

Redeyejedi

reason i say y fix is in bold.
i love my 94 pickup as well, and despite the suggestions of friends and family to sell...nope, ain't happening. esp after a 5 year parts acquisition journey.

Chip N Sawbones

I fixed some similar damage to my truck today by tying a rope to the bent part, tying the other end to a phone pole and driving in reverse. It worked pretty well, and now I can close the hood again. Just don't pull too hard.

yotasavg

I hit a tree with the front of mine and bent the core support probably a little more. I ended up ditching the AC system and got everything minus the grille mounted perfectly. The grille just doesn't have have two clips where the core is dented in a little bit. I have been told to sell it soooo many time but I just can't, cause I'd buy another lol. Fix it if you love it, then you'll love it even more and you can brag about it!

Vmax540

Time is money, I'd look for a replacement core support and do it right with a lot less hassle.

donomite49

i vote for fixing it. i replaced my 79 core support and front end with an 83 front clip, then the bed and tilt wheel, had a nice first gen at one time, miss it too.

96vettelt4

fix it especially with the availability of fiberglass replacement parts available..look at the beginning of the forum and you will see parts suppliers...another reason for a big ass bumper on the front...might not stop all of the damage but certainly help a lot..not much protection from stock Toyota bumper...

yotasavg

I would have gone this route if I could have, but I recommend this route as well. If you ever think you'll consider a motor swap you should convert it to bolt on as well (please correct me if that's not a good call, cause I'm planning on that for my rig).

sonofmike

Who makes a bolt-on core support? I'm definitely planning on an engine overhaul soon.

yotasavg

YOU make it. I haven't looked into it closely but I don't see why it won't work. I'm on my phone or I'd look, but I think Toyminator did it when he swapped in his v8 and 4runner front end on his pickup.