I spun out in the rain the other night and hit the side of an overpass nearly head on. Airbag deployed, and the bumper was pushed up and mashed all the front lights. Kind of an interesting effect. The car was still running and nothing central behind the headlights (fan, radiators, accessories) seems damaged. Sheet metal and the frame though have me worried.


I'm still somewhat in shock and haven't called my insurance company just yet. I've dealt with that once before involving someone's escaped livestock (3 horses frolicking in the road), but not with my own. This is my first solo-vehicle accident.


Aside from the philosophy and value of repairing an old car, whether or not it's doable with simple removal and replacement of bolt-on parts is what I'm trying to figure out right now.

I immediately thought the frame was wrecked and that it was totaled, but the towtruck driver thought that the bent part was not a part of the frame.

Based on these photos, I'm wondering what you all think. Obviously, it isn't as good as being here in person to look, but this is something I've never dealt with.



Front/general



Passenger Side






Looking down from the top, I wonder just where the bumper shocks start and end.

The next thing that concerns me is that there is some torn sheet metal where various brackets attach to the "big bent bars". There is also some buckling of the portion that attaches to the fenders. Not a lot, but definitely some.

Driver's Side


Passenger Side




I'm not opposed to light/minor spot welding and cutting, but I am absolutely not going to try to do anything structural with a welder/cutter.

Looking forward to opinions,
Will