I'm kind of looking for some input from you guys here. I've been to a few shops to see what type of prices I'm looking at and they are basically ranging from just over a grand to at least $1500. This is to have the core support cut off at the frame rails and a new one welded up (with new front frame horns); not including the price of parts.

Now basically, I'm hoping somebody here has done this before and can give me a realistic appraisal of the job. Is there any safe "chop points" on the frame rails between the core support and the front suspension? I'm thinking if I got a 'yard car and chopped the front end at the right spot, then chopped mine at the same spot (measure once cut twice, right ) I could weld up some flanges inside the frame and basically have a very large lego set to assemble.

Now, this is not a "I'm doing it tomarow" project, but I want to ascertain the feasibility of this before I put any money into maintanance since I have the front bumper mounted up with a wood 2x6 bracket and the air dam pieces aren't installed.

 

Wow, nobody has done this type of repair before?

 

I have seen many people do this. Even the whole front clip(firewall to the front). I would say grand it's to bad. it is a ton of work. If there is just damage on the impack bumper mounts. Then I would just cut that out. If you have front damage and anything else like floor or rear of car. I would look for a roller. Cuz they are cheap<--- at least compared to $1500 for a fix. That money can go to the Paint.

 

Frame and everything looks good, except for the left frame horn, which is bashed pretty good into the core support, and I have a little surrounding damage to the core support as well.

I'm thinking I might try to do this when the time comes to replace the car and I can afford to have it down for an extended period...and/or afford to really screw it up. Could be fun!