collision question

[t5535]

Ok I got this taurus that got hit in the rear. I am trying to repair it. I got it to where the lights, trim and bumper fit ok but there is a gap between the trim and the bumper.
here is the car before

What are the chances of the car buckling inward between the line?

I think if I push it outward it would bring everything down.

 

[Macgyver]

That's more damage than you may think

Auto Body Collision estimator here. You may be able to get the rear body panel back into shape if you pull it out carefully, but there is likely some structural damage to the rear rails immediately behind the impact absorbers that hold the bumper bar on. From what I can see in the pictures you'll need to replace the rear cover, bumper bar, absorbers, both tail lamps, both valances and pull the rear body panel at a bare minimum. Can you open the trunk? Can you get us a picture with it open. Can you also remove the lights, valances and bumper and take another picture? A picture of the trunk floor with the carpet and spare tire removed will be helpful too, along with a couple of shots from underneath. This type of collision totals many older cars.

 

[t5535]

Sure give me a couple mins.

 

[t5535]

Ok I have been working on it. This is my first attempt at body repair.

Here it is stripped

Left side underneath

Right side underneath

Spare tire well

upside down of inside of trunk

Put together so far. No bolts in anything. See the gap and how the tail lights are curved up. Looks twisted above the lights on the body.

 

[t5535]

 

[t5535]

By looking at this photo the bottom should be flat. Looks like the bumper twisted under and bent that bottom part pretty good.

I bent it out alittle but it was folded all the way under the car.

Looks like I need to push buckled part in and up with the porta power and pound the bottom flat at the same time.

Maybe it even pushed the bumper mount holes towards each other a little and thats what it causing the bow in the lights. But the bumper slides in good so I wouldn't think that would help.

 

[t5535]

Looks like I got it REAL close. trunk lid is bent but other then that I think I got it. I will post some more pics tomorrow.

 

[Macgyver]

I have to agree. It looks like you are very close. Without replacing the rear body panel, I think the best course of action is doing what you plan to do. Whatever hit it, hit it low and pushed the trunk floor up. If you can support the car in the rear by the frame rail extensions next to the spare tire well, then you can possibly weld a tab to that horizontal pinch weld and pull it down with a come along or some arrangement with the porta power.

That's my car that you used as the example!

 

[t5535]

I have to agree. It looks like you are very close. Without replacing the rear body panel, I think the best course of action is doing what you plan to do. Whatever hit it, hit it low and pushed the trunk floor up. If you can support the car in the rear by the frame rail extensions next to the spare tire well, then you can possibly weld a tab to that horizontal pinch weld and pull it down with a come along or some arrangement with the porta power.

That's my car that you used as the example!

Cool that was the only picture I could find of one with the tail lights and trim taken off it. I hope you don't mind. I got that bottom part all bent back. The only thing I am having a problem with now is the trunk lid. Its bowed up and it does not want to bend back down. I think Im just gonna run back to the salvage yard and grab one its only like $23.00.

 

[Macgyver]

For $23.00 that's exactly what I would do. Good luck.

 

[rubydist]

man, I wish I could get a whole trunk lid for $23 here....

 

[t5535]

man, I wish I could get a whole trunk lid for $23 here....

Its a u pull it. The parts are cheep there. I got the bumper, mounts, trim pieces, (for the taurus) a ac compressor and a bunch of odd and ends for my f 350 for $120. The trunk lid is $22.85.

check it out. maybe I can help someone out.
http://www.nordstromsauto.com/upullit/pricelist.pdf

A hole v6 motor is only 124.95
v8 OR LARGER 148.87

 

[Macgyver]

man, I wish I could get a whole trunk lid for $23 here....

Right!? I buy used auto parts all day, every day and never pay that little. Although one of the recyclers I deal with hooked me up with some trim parts and a usable headliner shell for nothing. I just purchased a loaded deck lid for a 2009 Camry and paid $500.00 for it!

 

[t5535]

Right!? I buy used auto parts all day, every day and never pay that little. Although one of the recyclers I deal with hooked me up with some trim parts and a usable headliner shell for nothing. I just purchased a loaded deck lid for a 2009 Camry and paid $500.00 for it!

Have to check shipping but if I can help you out let me know! Here is the car list that they have right now.
http://www.nordstromsauto.com/upullit/ewe-pullet-vehicle-list.pdf
It changes a lot they are always adding cars and trucks. When I was there the other day they had a hole nother area cleared and set up for about 50 to 100 more cars that they are bringing in. Its a BIG place they have 3 yards and cycle the vehicles into the u pull it. I had never seen prices like these either till I found these guys.

 

[Macgyver]

I'll keep that in mind. I'm In pretty good shape with my SHO right now, but if I run into trouble with it or anything at work Ill let you know. Thanks!

 

[Shovert]

I agree. Pull-a-part are way to go with older car. But lately I seen lot of late model Focus in the Louisville Ky one. That is where my engine wiring from like $26 dollars.

 

[t5535]

Yes I love the u pull its. Its easy and you don't have to be nice lol. Just get what you need. At this one they got hoists and all kinds of stuff for you to use. They will let you cut a motor out to make it quick and easy. They put the car on a big stand, attach a big hoist to the motor and let you cut away.

 

[Shovert]

Louisville allows no torchs, sawsall yes. Maurice