Long story short on fresh oil and gravel I put my girl in a ditch at about 15 mph. Now the doors don't line up with the roof line, the fenders are kinked, and the front valence is ripped. I don't know if the subframe is kinked or if the doors just need to be realigned. I am a complete noob about frame stuff. Just for clarity its a 91 z28 hard top and has Cars and Concepts t-tops. tops were out at the time and still fit, but door windows don't seal. Ive parked it for a year cause I don't know what to do (and was in the middle of a divorce). Any body guys that could advise I would appreciate it. It's a rust free example and would hate to see it scrapped or have to sell it for a couple hundred bucks. I would really appreciate an idea of the magnitude of the project I am in for, or any advice from experienced f body expert. I can see an indent on the B pillar where the drivers side door jammed into it, but no cracks that i can see on either side. Is this something that can be corrected by proper door fitment (and I could use help as there as well) or something more major I should look into? Oh and on another odd note before the incident she ran cold now she overheats. I think the thermostat just failed in the jolt (its been suspicious since I bought it, but only drove it a few hundred miles a year) but I can figure out the mechanicals. Like I said she's been parked inside since the accident because the windows wont seal and I was too preoccupied with other stuff. I have access to an alignment machine but not a frame rack. Thanx for any advice in advance

 

I work at a body shop. With what you have described, you more than likely have a bent car. I'd take it to a frame shop and see if they can pull it on a frame machine.

I'll also say that your overheating issue is probably due to the lower air dam. It more than likely got ripped off the car, especially with you saying the front valence is ripped. The air dam is plastic, and bolts to the bottom of the radiator support. It's black and is maybe 8" tall. These cars WILL run hot without it.

 

Thank you Dagwood. I know you cant be exact, but any idea on how much it might cost to have the subframe straightened?

 

The cost will just depend on the severity of the damage. We don't do frame repair at our shop, we send it out to a frame shop.

If it's something that you decide to not fix, and want to sell the car, I might be interested in buying it. You can text me pics of the car at 515-890-7836.

Darin