body repair help
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC, USA
Car: 91 Firebird
Engine: L03
Transmission: A4
body repair help
I've got a 91 firebird that was wrecked a little while back, and I'm just now getting around to fixing it.. I know I can't do all of it myself, because the frame is bent a little.. it was totalled, but I just couldn't part with my car.. I love it too much..
anyway.. it was hit in the back and pushed into the car in front of me, so, the frame is bent in the back, but there's no real body damage except over both wheel wells where the frame bent down. that part I'm sure I'll have to have done by a shop. the front isn't too bad. the hood has a small dent on the front edge which should be easily banged out, but the bumper was bent so it sits under the hood about 1/4 inch, which also causes a small problem getting the headlights to open and close properly. the driver fender is also bent because the door sat up against it when it was wrecked, and bent it when it was opened.
I know I should just get new (or used) parts and replace them, but I can't do that quite yet. I don't have the money at the moment, so I just want to try to get it straightened for now. I want to remove the nose and the driver side fender so that I can work on them easier. anyone have the steps or any suggestions for removing either of these? I just want to see what kinda trouble I'm getting into before I actually go and do it. any pictures would help too. thanks.
anyway.. it was hit in the back and pushed into the car in front of me, so, the frame is bent in the back, but there's no real body damage except over both wheel wells where the frame bent down. that part I'm sure I'll have to have done by a shop. the front isn't too bad. the hood has a small dent on the front edge which should be easily banged out, but the bumper was bent so it sits under the hood about 1/4 inch, which also causes a small problem getting the headlights to open and close properly. the driver fender is also bent because the door sat up against it when it was wrecked, and bent it when it was opened.
I know I should just get new (or used) parts and replace them, but I can't do that quite yet. I don't have the money at the moment, so I just want to try to get it straightened for now. I want to remove the nose and the driver side fender so that I can work on them easier. anyone have the steps or any suggestions for removing either of these? I just want to see what kinda trouble I'm getting into before I actually go and do it. any pictures would help too. thanks.
Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 274
Likes: 1
From: Upstate New York
Car: 82 T/A WS7
Engine: Pontiac 400
Transmission: Muncie 4-speed
Firechicken, The front is probably just knocked in a little from the inpact of the cover. It sounds like a case of just loosen up the fender and cover, pull it back in place and tighten it down. Try to get a look at the bunper bar and if you have the cover off, the absober, for bends or distortions.
The fender will be easier to fix with it on the car. Open the door and grab on to the back edge (fingertips) and pull it back into shape. You will need it on the car and tight to get it to line up to the door correctly so leave it right on. When bondoing the rear edge, you can open the door so your sanding block won't scratch the door and close the door to check for fit.
Choose a good frame shop. If pulled right, on a stright hit to the rear, 90% of the creases in the 1/4's will come out.
------------------
Kenney
82 Trans Am WS7 notchback
83 Trans Am WS6 T-tops
Painter @ Chevy dealer
GM junkie
The fender will be easier to fix with it on the car. Open the door and grab on to the back edge (fingertips) and pull it back into shape. You will need it on the car and tight to get it to line up to the door correctly so leave it right on. When bondoing the rear edge, you can open the door so your sanding block won't scratch the door and close the door to check for fit.
Choose a good frame shop. If pulled right, on a stright hit to the rear, 90% of the creases in the 1/4's will come out.
------------------
Kenney
82 Trans Am WS7 notchback
83 Trans Am WS6 T-tops
Painter @ Chevy dealer
GM junkie
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Hotrodboba400
Firebirds for Sale
3
Dec 10, 2019 07:07 PM