hey guys, i recently bought a wrecked 89 formula, the rediator support is a little out of wack, have any of you have this replaced? i really want to get it straight because the rest of the car is in really good shape, i plan to get a parts car, any idea how much it'll cost to be replaced???

 

i would definetely be looking for a parts car. they are out there. you did not say if you have any welding experience, but it is a must for this job. not hard, but time consuming. you just have to cut through the spot welds and grind away all the paint and rust on both supports. good luck!!

 

i don't plan on doing the work myself, not much of a body man, just want the car straight.

 

To do this correctly, it really is best to have the professionals at a reputable shop perform this. Even if one does have a welder and know how to replace it, most do not have a frame rack and proper measuring systems to ensure the frame was not moved when the core support go damaged, and to put the core support back exactly where it should be. Not sure about your area, but atleast here, body labor rates are usually 48 per hour, and frame labor 65 an hour. If you remove the front clip and radiator, fans, ect, I would expect somewhere around 1,000-1,200 for labor to remove the old and trim a used piece, lit it on, and paint. More could be possible is other hidden damage is found or labor rates are higher in your area. Only way to know is get estimates, they're free, and a good estimator will explain clearly what needs to be done and how they plan to do so.

 

I would say if you can find a good one in a parts car or junkyard, you would save your self alot of $$ in labor if you can atleast get the donor support pulled out. Then leave the rest to the pros

 

Absolutely, cut your own core support if you can, jus be sure to take more than you need and the body shop can trim what they need.

 

i plan to do some of the work myself (removing the fans, radiator, bumper, hood, etc) the frame wasn't hurt, it was like a 15 mph wreck, just enough to crush the radiator support a little. it's only hurt on the passanger side, could half of the radiator support be replaced? if that makes sense.