Radiator support panel

[Dodgeyaussie]

Well my mother in law decided to rear end someone in her Q.

Fortunately she wasn't going too fast, so ii think the damage is repairable, despite the $10k quote from the panel shop, which pretty much guarantees it's going to get written off. There was no airbag deployment.

There is no frame damage, nor is there any damage to either front fender. Basically all that needs to be replaced is the radiator support panel and everything that hangs off it, as well as the hood and bumper.

My main question is, is the radiator support panel spot welded in or is it a bolt on?

I'll try and get some pics later today, the car is still at the panel shop.

Here's a couple of "before" pics.




And as it is now..

[Q45tech]

A 12 year old car is only worth $4-$5k.

[Infinitiguy19]

I think its both welded and bolted together. From what I see in Nissan FAST (Dealer parts lookup program).

[Dodgeyaussie]

She should hear from the insurance co on Monday as to what they will offer to pay out on it, and what she might be able to buy it back for.

It's depressing to see it die. The more i look at it, i'm wondering if that radiator support panel might be able to just be pulled back into shape.

We've found a couple of possible replacements. A '97 which is identical, and a '99 Touring, silver on black, for $6995 ~130k miles

[Infinitiguy19]

If there is absolutely no frame damage and the rear sub frame bushings aren't leaking I would say fix it.

If not show the insurance company EVERY receipt and ALL the service history. That way you can show them you actually loved the car.

The 1997 and maybe 1998 Q45 still had some of the G50 design team on there as you can see from the ASCD (Cruise control) Master switch, being seprate from the steering wheel control switch.

[Q45tech]

The old G50 design team resigned in digust when Nissan decided to call a smaller engined cheap CIMA a Q45.

[bullittandy]

I made a similar repair to my 99 Q45. The radiator support is held by spot welds at the inner fender behind the headlights. If you've got any skills then that car is going to be an easy repair, go for it.

[elwesso]

yeah especially if the headlights are both in good shape (cant quite tell with the pics), a new hood and the bumper looks like it can be repaired.

However youll probably need a new radiator and condenser, they look like they were bent in pretty good...

Honestly what I would do is start pulling that stuff apart and just see how bad it is before you make any strong decisions.. worst case, if you have the room buy it back from the insurance...