4rollin

I just drove 4 hours and bought a very nice 1998 Ltd with 130k miles with front end damage from a damage multiplier..i mean brush bar. Spending the next couple of days at the salvage yard and Certifit Denver - aftermarket parts.

I'm concerned that the radiator support (thanks wyoming9) will be difficult to remove. (front engine bay wall) The hood was smashed straight back a few inches, the rad support along with it.

I may try to bend it back into place, but will the headlights ever be straight?

The little brace underneath on the driver side bumper was bent - plse see photo. The pic is from underneath. I suspect a good crack with a sledge will do the trick if I can get in there.

I may just replace the grille, bumper, lights, hood and bend the rest as best I can?
Any thoughts on how to best approach this repair and is this going to fly or am I going to have a project trying to get the headlamp assemblies in the right position with a damaged mounting wall. I'm no longer at the vehicle but do have a few other photos.

Thanks!

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

The part in question is called the radiator support .

It is held in place with spot welds . Spot weld Cutters while not cheap are the best for removing spot welds.

I have cut out a few over the years.

It depends just how picky you are with the end results of the job. weather you want to remove or replace or straighten the best you can.

Your in person do you think the radiator support will straighten good enough that your head lights point in the same general direction

It comes down also to do you have the tools and skill to weld the other radiator support in.

Did the radiator get pushed into the fan ????

4rollin

Ok, super glad to see the light here, I was starting to question my purchase in initially underestimating the repair, thanks. I see a few spot weld cutters: Blair, HFTools etc around $20. Would one cutter finish the job or grab 3? I usually would not buy HFT drills and cutters but that steel is probably fairly soft. Is a right angle drill or any other special tool needed?

I would think a Harbor Freight 90Amp flux welder would be enough? Maybe drill a few holes in new one with spot weld remover and weld perimeter. Maybe a 4 hour job?

No fan damage. Rad tilted back 10 degrees. Running fine. Airbox busted, lights, grill. The first 1" nose of quarter panel is smashed in but I don't see that being worth repacing considering color match.

I'm in Denver now for a few days so will buy all the parts and take home 6hrs and see what works.