so im starting to fix up my bird and im starting a list of parts i need. but what is the part that the passanger front quarter panel bolts to? and also whats the part that spans then entire front of the car that holds the radiator? because they are both beyond bending back into shape. that's why im wondering if it would be better (and easier) to replace the entire front sub assembly. but then again how hard is that to do?

 

Inner Fender Well, I believe.

 

You might just be better off going to a junkyard and getting yourself an entire front-end (sheet metal wise), fenders, inner fenders, impact bar, etc.

 

so is that just sheet metal damage? I've never done this much work to a gen 3 before so i have no idea by looking at it. and i dont want to dive into it if the entire front end needs replaced. because then i could just start cutting everything off instead of trying to save as much as I could.

 

Without a good look at the subframe rails I couldn't say for sure if it's just sheet metal damage, but all the front sheet metal has to come off anyways so that would be where I'd start. Can't see much of the driver's side but it seems salvageable.

I recommend pulling the fenders off and seeing what you have going on. You don't want to assume that there's nothing major without checking to see for yourself.

 

yea i know. like i said ive never done this before so i wanted some general idea of where i should start and what i need to focus on. thanks for the info

 

I call it the Apron. You would be better to by a complete front clip if you can find one. Before you do that, strip the entire nose ( hood, fenders, bumper, radiator, a/c condenser). take it to a reputable body shop that has a frame machine and a knowledgeable tech and see if it is too far gone or is fixable before you buy anything. if the has pushed the a-pillar you may be in trouble. remember you must have a straight foundation before you can put anything on it.

 

Well this is what your in for!!!

 

I'd say you definitely have some frame damage, too much to straighten at the rf corner. You will need a complete front clip off a donor vehicle. Also looks like the rf frame arm under the fender is going to need repair, probably strut tower too. Good chance the k member is trash too. Lots of fun welding. Also looks like every piece of sheet metal and plastic is trashed too. Lots of replacement parts.
In short, a ton of work to bring this one back. Is it worth it? Unless it's something special I would prob be looking for another car. But if you decide to fix it, I do have a complete front frame for sale.

 

 

I agree 100% with stealth

 

That's a whole lot of damage. I would consider another

 

was hoping that wouldn't be the case, but it was always in the back of my mind. and it seems i now have to fight the insurance company because they'll only give me 200 for it, BULSHEET! the websight they looked up the price on gave me a number of 2500 as the extreme bottom end. and mine had fresh paint, decals, 20slot rims with new tread, 350v8, a 9 year newer transmission, 4.11 rear end, AC, cruise control, tilt wheel, spoiler, new seats, new dash, full working headlights and struts, new stereo and speakers. so im going to guess this is going to be a long drawn out fight to get an acceptable price................ see ya in about 3 years

 

Yeah, insurance company could probably care less about that motor and AC and etc. Just saying, it's all about the mileage on old cars like that.

 

As long as you have receipts they have to give you embetterment. The base car may only be worth 200 in their eyes but if you put 5k into it they have to give you a percentage of that.

 

When it's all done,do yourself a favor and insure it for an agreed value with a co. that insures Classics.