Body General body information and techniques for restoration, repairs, and modifications.

Hit a Tree... Need advice

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 03:01 PM
  #1  
freeagent162's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Eastern PA
Car: 1990 Camaro rs
Hit a Tree... Need advice



Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 03:09 PM
  #2  
Thirdgen Ranch's Avatar
Former Sponsor
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 823
Likes: 1
From: Crete, IL
Car: Too many
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

Ouch, that's pretty bad. You're going to need to find out what all got damaged. The bumper cover, inner bumper, hood, and lower spoiler are all bolt on pieces that can be easily replaced. However, your core support is damaged and it's possible that other structural pieces may be damaged as well. I think you need to find out exactly what pieces are damaged and find out how much it will cost to replace them. Depending on the overall condition of the car it may not be worth fixing but that's up to you.

I know we have most of the pieces you need available on our site if you want to check prices
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 03:29 PM
  #3  
bakes85's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: PA
Car: 1985 trans am
Engine: 1969 chevy 350 .060 over
Transmission: 5spd
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

here is everything you need for real cheap,

http://usautobodyparts.com/catalog/C...982-1992)/1990
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 04:31 PM
  #4  
kevmann's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: South Suburbs of Chicago
Car: 89 RS
Engine: 2.8
Transmission: Auto
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

You could easily find a parts car for that. You just need to make sure the subframe is not bent. That can be fixed too but its up to you how much you want to spend. The other option would be to find a rust free body and transfer your motor and trans.

Kevin
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 05:32 PM
  #5  
camaro430sut's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 696
Likes: 0
From: East Haven, Connecticut
Car: 89 Camaro/ 02 GC Overland
Engine: 355 V8/ 4.7 HO V8
Transmission: T5/ 545RE
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 3.73/ Dana 30, Dana 44 3.73
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

No need to find out if the frame is bent. It definatly is! the reinforcment being pushed in like that has caused the frame ends to be drawn inward. That car needs some serious time on a frame machine. I can assure you the repair costs will out way the value of the car
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 05:39 PM
  #6  
radical82's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 569
Likes: 0
From: Madison, SD
Car: '82 Camaro
Engine: 383
Transmission: TKO 5 speed
Axle/Gears: 31 spline 9" with 4.56:1
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

I've fixed worse, but it's going to take either a frame machine or a chassis jig to get the car straight again....I'd say find another car and use this one for parts is probably going to be the best option....unless you have access to a frame machine with a good tech running it!!!!!!
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 05:50 PM
  #7  
smokin2002's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Car: 2002 trans am
Engine: ls1
Transmission: t56
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

Originally Posted by camaro430sut
No need to find out if the frame is bent. It definatly is! the reinforcment being pushed in like that has caused the frame ends to be drawn inward. That car needs some serious time on a frame machine. I can assure you the repair costs will out way the value of the car
agreed, third gens are one of gm,s most flimsy chassis, Unless you would be doing the labor yourself i dont see it being costeffective to have a shop try and save it, unless huge personal values are at stake, third gen rollers are cheap and plentiful
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 05:51 PM
  #8  
bakes85's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: PA
Car: 1985 trans am
Engine: 1969 chevy 350 .060 over
Transmission: 5spd
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

yeah, if the frame is bent then definitely get another car and use the parts on your car that you want.
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 07:04 PM
  #9  
bluegrassz's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,449
Likes: 7
From: LONDON, KY
Car: Camaro
Engine: Carbed L98
Transmission: TH350
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

Start pulling parts off to see what needs replaced. The core support can be replaced fairly easy. The bumper supports will need some work, but you would be suprised what you can do with a few tie-downs, a come-along and a 10 tone port-a-power.
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 07:37 PM
  #10  
Blind Driver's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 419
Likes: 1
Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 5.0
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: beats me
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

Did the tree survive?
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 08:39 PM
  #11  
trocustoms's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: minneapolis
Car: 1988 GTA Black on Black Hardtop
Engine: 383 miniram/ Ebl
Transmission: 700r4/Performabuilt/3000 Stall
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt / 3.27
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

This ones pretty simple. Time to go car shopping !!!!!
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 09:02 PM
  #12  
Grants89iroc-z's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
From: california
Car: 1989 Chevrolet Camaro iroc-z
Engine: 350 Tpi
Transmission: t5 Tranny
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

Originally Posted by bakes85

This website does not have bumpers!!
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 09:08 PM
  #13  
Derth Deboblo's Avatar
Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Pennsyltucky
Car: '91 Firebird (blown apart)
Engine: *cough*BOAT ANCHOR*cough*
Transmission: Slushbox
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

Yeah, find another one, and stop hitting trees...lol!

PS- Where in PA are you? You look local to my stomping grounds.
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 10:01 PM
  #14  
bakes85's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: PA
Car: 1985 trans am
Engine: 1969 chevy 350 .060 over
Transmission: 5spd
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

Originally Posted by Grants89iroc-z
This website does not have bumpers!!
yeah, but it has most of the structural things.
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 10:20 PM
  #15  
Grants89iroc-z's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
From: california
Car: 1989 Chevrolet Camaro iroc-z
Engine: 350 Tpi
Transmission: t5 Tranny
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

Originally Posted by bakes85
yeah, but it has most of the structural things.
im looking for a bumper myself, do you guys have any websites that sell bumpers?
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 11:16 PM
  #16  
C-Titan's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 443
Likes: 2
From: Collegeville PA
Car: 91 Z-28
Engine: 360TPI
Transmission: PA Racing 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:73
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

www.yearone.com

or go to your local Chevy dealer and have them contact any dealership in Michigan... I know that sounds random but when I replaced my bumper cover, some random dealership in MI had fourteen of them sitting around in a warehouse...

off topic... but are you Grant from the Camaro Lovers group on Myspace??
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 11:22 PM
  #17  
Grants89iroc-z's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
From: california
Car: 1989 Chevrolet Camaro iroc-z
Engine: 350 Tpi
Transmission: t5 Tranny
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

Originally Posted by C-Titan
www.yearone.com

or go to your local Chevy dealer and have them contact any dealership in Michigan... I know that sounds random but when I replaced my bumper cover, some random dealership in MI had fourteen of them sitting around in a warehouse...

off topic... but are you Grant from the Camaro Lovers group on Myspace??
yepp thats me!
Those bumpers look pretty expensivee, ill have to shop around some more and check out all the other prices too.
The first link with the fenders were pretty cheap, only 60 bucks!
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 11:27 PM
  #18  
rutters27's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
From: south central pennsylvania
Car: 88 t/a 92 rs camaro 88 firebird
Engine: 305 tbi in both
Transmission: auto camaro 5spd firebird th375
Axle/Gears: 3.73 minispool
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

dont hit trees let off the brakes and steer
deer are fast trees are hard and cops are sneaky
could use a rear bumper myself 92 rs (rust) only rust on the car let me know south central pennsylvania

Last edited by rutters27; Nov 24, 2009 at 11:30 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 11:35 PM
  #19  
Grants89iroc-z's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
From: california
Car: 1989 Chevrolet Camaro iroc-z
Engine: 350 Tpi
Transmission: t5 Tranny
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

Originally Posted by rutters27
dont hit trees let off the brakes and steer
deer are fast trees are hard and cops are sneaky
could use a rear bumper myself 92 rs (rust) only rust on the car let me know south central pennsylvania
lol well duhh, i dont think he meant to hit the tree! haha
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 11:54 PM
  #20  
C-Titan's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 443
Likes: 2
From: Collegeville PA
Car: 91 Z-28
Engine: 360TPI
Transmission: PA Racing 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:73
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

Originally Posted by Grants89iroc-z
yepp thats me!
Those bumpers look pretty expensivee, ill have to shop around some more and check out all the other prices too.
The first link with the fenders were pretty cheap, only 60 bucks!

Haha, small world... I learned the hard way a while back on an old project; if you don't have the cash for OEM replacements - start junkyard hopin'... The fit of aftermarket fenders\hoods\bumper covers\etc is horrible... (You get what you pay for) You would end up spending more money trying to straighten, shape, and knock out all the dings and dents from being mis-handled\stored... Even after that its still not exactly right... It'll be worth it in the long run to go the used or OEM route...
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 11:59 PM
  #21  
Grants89iroc-z's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
From: california
Car: 1989 Chevrolet Camaro iroc-z
Engine: 350 Tpi
Transmission: t5 Tranny
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

Originally Posted by C-Titan
Haha, small world... I learned the hard way a while back on an old project; if you don't have the cash for OEM replacements - start junkyard hopin'... The fit of aftermarket fenders\hoods\bumper covers\etc is horrible... (You get what you pay for) You would end up spending more money trying to straighten, shape, and knock out all the dings and dents from being mis-handled\stored... Even after that its still not exactly right... It'll be worth it in the long run to go the used or OEM route...
So what do you think about these fenders?
http://usautobodyparts.com/catalog/C...982-1992)/1989

Think it'll fit right?
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2009 | 12:13 AM
  #22  
Ca[maro]88's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 990
Likes: 1
From: Peoria, IL
Car: 1988 Camaro Sport Coupe
Engine: 5.0 305 Carb'd
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

the tree won.
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2009 | 12:34 AM
  #23  
bakes85's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: PA
Car: 1985 trans am
Engine: 1969 chevy 350 .060 over
Transmission: 5spd
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

as far as i have heard any aftermarket body panels will take some body work to get them to line up correctly.
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2009 | 02:10 PM
  #24  
Guest
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

I got a front bumper and a chin.



-lmk
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2009 | 02:31 PM
  #25  
RS Reaper's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 585
Likes: 0
From: Stone Mtn., GA
Car: 90 Camaro RS
Engine: V6 3.1 MFI
Transmission: 4 Speed Auto 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

Originally Posted by C-Titan
www.yearone.com

or go to your local Chevy dealer and have them contact any dealership in Michigan... I know that sounds random but when I replaced my bumper cover, some random dealership in MI had fourteen of them sitting around in a warehouse...

off topic... but are you Grant from the Camaro Lovers group on Myspace??
How much did it cost you? I'm looking at doing a mod to the front and don't want to risk my current one plus the fact it's attached to the carmakes it hard to work on.
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2009 | 04:06 PM
  #26  
C-Titan's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 443
Likes: 2
From: Collegeville PA
Car: 91 Z-28
Engine: 360TPI
Transmission: PA Racing 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:73
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

Originally Posted by RS Reaper
How much did it cost you? I'm looking at doing a mod to the front and don't want to risk my current one plus the fact it's attached to the carmakes it hard to work on.

$319 with free shipping... If your planin on just hack'n it apart, go the junkyard route... Save ya a couple bucks and you wont sweat over it as much if you mess it up... What are you planning on doing anyway??
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2009 | 09:56 PM
  #27  
freeagent162's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Eastern PA
Car: 1990 Camaro rs
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

well took her into the bodyshop today... i lined up a donor car i'll be getting for free. so i'll have her on the road in no time... thank god for connections
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2009 | 11:05 PM
  #28  
bakes85's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: PA
Car: 1985 trans am
Engine: 1969 chevy 350 .060 over
Transmission: 5spd
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

your getting a free donor car? SWEET
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2009 | 11:15 PM
  #29  
freeagent162's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Eastern PA
Car: 1990 Camaro rs
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

yeah .... it makes the repair work def. worth it
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2009 | 11:22 PM
  #30  
bakes85's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: PA
Car: 1985 trans am
Engine: 1969 chevy 350 .060 over
Transmission: 5spd
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

haha, yeah, plus if theres anything left in the other car, you can part her out and maybe end up making money over this tree. haha
Reply
Old Dec 6, 2009 | 02:57 PM
  #31  
freeagent162's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Eastern PA
Car: 1990 Camaro rs
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

took it into the body shop the other day... its up on the rack now gettin pulled out
Reply
Old Dec 6, 2009 | 05:02 PM
  #32  
afida15's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

Go to harrys you pull it in hazelton in PA. i went there a few months ago and got a front bumper for 45 bucks no cracks or anything.
Reply
Old Dec 6, 2009 | 05:40 PM
  #33  
Stephen's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 13
From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

Originally Posted by Grants89iroc-z
So what do you think about these fenders?
http://usautobodyparts.com/catalog/C...982-1992)/1989

Think it'll fit right?
Who knows? They show every fender, same OEM part #, with 2 different prices & pics of only 1 of the fenders. 'PIC COMING SOON' on the rest....
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2009 | 02:28 AM
  #34  
Chezoom's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: plano texas
Car: 91 RS Vert, 87 SC T-Top
Engine: LO3, LG4
Transmission: 700r4's
Axle/Gears: 2.73, not sure yet
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

updates? you did a number on her.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2009 | 02:41 AM
  #35  
Motopsyco's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: Plainwell, Mi U.S.A.
Car: 89 firebird, 03 Avalanche z71
Engine: 5.0 stock (for now)
Transmission: 700R4 auto
Axle/Gears: stock 2.73 for now
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

My advice search craigslist to find a cheap beat up parts car, then swap everything over to make one good car. There are alway people on craigslist selling a thirdgen camaro for under $500 cuz they are beat up and need work, theres a good parts car.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2009 | 02:48 AM
  #36  
Chezoom's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: plano texas
Car: 91 RS Vert, 87 SC T-Top
Engine: LO3, LG4
Transmission: 700r4's
Axle/Gears: 2.73, not sure yet
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

read the thread, he has a parts car and it was last said to be at the frame puller
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2009 | 12:21 AM
  #37  
Sonymaster20's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Car: 1992 Rs
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: 5-Speed
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

updates?
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2009 | 01:22 AM
  #38  
itsMikey's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,852
Likes: 2
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Car: 89 GTA/93 S13/91 Si
Engine: 5.7 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Hit a Tree... Need advice

woulda burnt that **** down xP
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
apie2546
Electronics
3
Oct 16, 2016 02:24 PM
HoosierinWA
Tech / General Engine
5
Oct 7, 2015 10:15 AM
jaridjohn
Exhaust
14
Oct 5, 2015 07:01 AM
gord327
Transmissions and Drivetrain
13
Sep 29, 2015 10:18 PM
IROC ZELLER
Engine Swap
6
Sep 29, 2015 03:00 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:41 PM.