doritoboi

The title says it all. I had run in with a deer and now I'm in need of some repairs. Just posting to see other's experience with repairs for these kinds of accidents and maybe some rough guesses as to cost of getting the car fixed. I don't have any experience going through insurance but I wouldn't really want to increase my rates anyway so I was planning on pulling the parts myself from a pick n' pull. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be an 8 within 100 miles of me...
Parts aside, the bigger issue is that the deer actually bent the part of the frame that holds the headlight and the fender so even new parts won't fit. The frame damage doesn't seem to be structural and the car isn't pulling weird at all, but I don't think I can fix that myself. Anyone know what it would cost to do non structural frame repair? Parts broken besides the bent up mounting points include the bumper, the left fender, the left headlight, the left fog light, and the left indicator.
I'd really appreciate the input of anyone on how to proceed to get the car back to its former glory.

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

Sorry bro.
It's that time of year.
Maybe find a local independent body shop for an estimate.

doritoboi

I was just quoted roughly 600 for straightening the frame, assuming I can bring all the body parts so that they can use those as reference. Is that a reasonable amount in people's experience considering its not structural? I really have no idea what kind of ballpark would make sense but this sounds ok to me. Does this sound like a reasonable estimate?

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

I don't really know, but I don't think it sounds too bad.
I got a $600 estimate just to repaint my front bumper.

wannawankel

I had my old Accord bumper replaced (and painted) back in 2012. There are a few places online (this one was a team of 2 brothers in Michigan on Ebay) that would for a fixed fee order a OEM bumper and paint it to match the car's original paint code. I paid about $190 + tax then. It appears it's gone up to only $219. https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Painted...r/321135018158. I replaced the bumper back on the car with new clips and gear - I remember doing that in comfortable 95+ heat. Saved a ton over any estimate I got from a repair shop or stealer.

wannawankel

BTW they did a fantastic job and I had low expectations. My Accord had a run in with a snow pile (in MN that means a frozen mound of snow).

potatochobit

most body shops do not like to let you use their frame puller for non insurance claims
they can't mark that up 30% and pass the costs on to you, lol
double check to make sure the lower frame is bent and not just the reinforcement bar, that you can just bang with a hammer
just flex tape your bumper together for now

doritoboi

So a quick update and a follow-up question for anyone who's still interested.
Turns out that the only part that's really actually bent is the fender apron. I've been looking online and it looks like I can get a new fender apron shipped to me for ~$80. The first quote I mentioned ($600) told me they would be straightening the apron as it would cost more to replace it.
I am wondering if it really is that hard to replace a fender apron? I believe that the part is welded to the rest of the frame and would have to be freed and then the new piece would have to be welded in, right? Is this likely to cost more than that $600 quote to straighten it?