damage estimate (pictures)

[LiU]

my friend is looking at a car and the guy is selling it for very cheap (coupla hundred)... our only concern is the front end, there's damage to the front body metal UNDERNEATH (dunno the name) the passenger side fender, however I've been told it IS repairable and but our other concern is that there might be damage to the frame rails udnerneath. We will try to find dimensions and measure the frame underneath, my question is do any of you know how much approximate it would be to repair the damaged body metal and if you have any advice feel free to tell us. We do have a spare front end (hood, bumpers, lights, fenders, etc), we just need to know if its advisable/worthwhile to get this car at a low price and try to get it fixed, thanks guys!

http://home.comcast.net/~cys19/1.JPGhtt ... ys19/3.JPG

Modified by LiU at 6:13 AM 9/6/2004
Modified by LiU at 6:21 AM 9/6/2004

[RagingPanda]

Here I am...the poor bastard in need of another S13. We looked at the car and it's pretty good. I think the metal sheet in the front fender can be fixed because only the front portion of it is bent. It seems ok but since none of us are frame expert we have no idea. I'm going to try to get some advice and estimates from body shop after Labor Day. I really hope it's ok.

[silencer.1]

That much body damage is pretty much unrepairable I'm sorry to say. The frame is obviously bent pretty bad by looking at the bumper mount and that alone is going to cost about 700-1000 to even get it pulled straight on a frame puller. For a simple rear quarter panel and bumper damage to mine, I was quoted over 3800 to fix it properly since it crumpled the sheet metal inside my trunk. Since the frame wasn't bent in my case, I just bought a parts car and fixed it all up with a welder, body hammers and bondo.

That car with obvious frame damage is going to be about 4000-6000 to fix. That's not worth it considering the cars blue book for less than 2000. I'd buy it for that kickass engine and swap it into a different car.

[Chingon]

for a couple of hundred it's a very good price i'd say. The damage is bad, but seemed to be a slow speed collision. The engine seems salvageable, and so is the radiator. From the pic, even the ic looks like it was saved. Bring it down the lowest you can, get another s13, swap over, and you'll still have a parts car.

[LiU]

thanks guys, this is the exact input we are looking for... well that sr20 is not part of the sale, and I doubt the raidator and IC is too (although it is bent)... basically it comes down to repair cost + car cost (keep in mind we have basically most of the spare parts we can put on the front, just need to get the damanged portion fixed) vs. another car...

[Chingon]

oops...if the goodies are not part of the sale, i'd keep looking..

[[s3]]

Waste of time, move on.

I wouldn't pay $100 for the shell. You'll spend over $1000 fixing it.

[silencer.1]

If you can't get the engine with the car don't even bother looking any longer, it is't worth the time.