Teddygram

So the other day I was rushing to school and while reversing I tore open the left front side of my car... I take a look and the fender is a little damaged which isn't a big deal but the oil cooler and bracket is now bent and leaked all of the engine oil out where the hose joined to the oil cooler.

So what I'm trying to say is: does it sound like I could fix this myself? I was thinking I could just hammer out the bent frame, get a used left fender and oil cooler. I don't know if the hoses are damaged though and I'm thinking that would make this ten times more difficult to fix.

Thanks and Gig 'em

paimon.soror

iTrader: (15)

Got some pics of the damage? From the sounds of it you might be able to fix it yourself, but I wouldn't bet on the hose being sound. those guys tend to rust and even fail prematurely so there is a good chance it was damaged as well.

Teddygram

The first pic is what it looked like after the accident. The next two are a close up of the damage to the fender and the bent frame and what it looks like after i took off the rubber oil cooler guard.

Edit: I have no idea why the pictures uploaded upside down haha.

Teddygram

right side up

archwisp

iTrader: (1)

I had very similar damage on my last 8 and the insurance company totaled the car. Parts for this car are just ridiculously expensive and then the shop will charge their premium. The (Reputable Insurance Company) adjuster estimated the repair at over $9,000.

Bottom line: If you want to keep your car, don't file it as an insurance claim. Pay for it out-of-pocket.

As far as doing it yourself, I'm pretty sure you need special equipment to pull off and install a new fender.

If you just bang it out, you may be able to get away with it. But make sure you have someone who knows what they are doing look over the frame and suspension components so you don't end up in a catastrophic accident due to something failing.

04Green

iTrader: (1)

Others will have to chime in, but I think you can get the parts, likely used, and go from there. Step one would be the oil cooler. I cannot tell if the oil on the lines is from leaks, or what sprayed out of the cooler. Find the nearest connector, and look for parts from that point out to the cooler, and of course a new cooler. Be sure to use penetrating oil on the oil line bolts just to be sure. Even the banjo bolts. Looks like you have some corrosion on the metal.

After that, you have a car that runs, but just needs a front end. How bad is the nose? Also, you may be able to get a fender in a matching color from a yard, or a part out car here. Or, find an 8 that with a hosed engine, swap parts, then sell it again for a bit less. I think the fender just bolts on.

But, first thing is fix the oil cooler. you are not going anywhere with it like that, and once you put it back together, you cannot get to the oil cooler.

Teddygram

The front bumper is basically split down the middle so I don't think I'll be using that. Luckily I can take my time with repairing this stuff since everything i need to go to is on the bus routes.

I took a look online and it seems the fender is just held on by a couple of bolts and a used fender in black is going for about 100 right now in some junk yard in Houston. What would be a good way to check for leaks/damage on the hoses? That's the biggest unknown for me right now.

Shameless

Mane just file the damage ane if the insurance company total it kool just buy it back then fix ane keep some cheese for maintenance o mods ya digs.

04Green

iTrader: (1)

For oil cooler, see if the yard with the fender has one. Install, see if oil squirts out. Probably grab the lines off the cooler as well, in case your got nicked in the process.