Need opinions on collision repair

[chrisc16]

This morning my wife crashed her 1999 LC into an Acura MDX. Somehow the cruiser came out WAY worse. And I have no idea why the airbags didn't go off.

The truck is super clean with 200K miles on it. I've been working on cars my entire life but I know next to nothing about collision repair. Based on these pictures, what would you do? Is it worth trying to fix? She only has liability on it so the insurance company is not involved.

 

[shane431]

I’d probably go no on this one.

 

[rexington14]

Looks rough. I hope your wife is OK.

 

[Trapper50cal]

A saved life was this cruiser's last act, I'm assuming. Looks done like dinner.

 

[delz05]

Can it be fixed? Yes. But first step is to ask a repair shop if they can put it on a frame machine to see how jacked the left side is. Does the driver side door open without issue? Is the steering column straight? First impression ... hood, fender, fender apron front and maybe rear, possible radiator support and radiator if leaking, headlight assembly with corner lamp, battery, wheel and tire, upper control arm, bumper cover, reinforcement, fogs, grille, harness repair. With paint, probably about 10k in repair work.
Much easier to buy another and part out what you have, after removing what you may need for the next one!

 

[3_puppies]

Not certain but I think the airbag sensors are tied into the bumper, no impact into the bumper??

the inner fender is spot welded to the main body, it isn't easy to replace, same with the rad core support

it doesn't look good. lots of good parts

 

[Exiled]

I hope your wife is OK!

I'd part it out, looks like a lot of great parts from the firewall back. 100s are not THAT rare, most shops won't even look at it to fix it, and the ones that do are going to charge you an arm and a leg to do it.

 

[cruisin4bruisins]

Hope everyone is ok but sorry man not worth the repair, would cost more than what the cars worth or close to it

 

[MechE30]

I would guess the rate of speed decrease was not enough to trigger the sensor. This looks very similar to an overlap test which older cars do not handle well. Sort of like a glancing blow where the sheet metal slowed most of the deceleration, rather than a rigid frame. If the impact was greater (higher speed) that likely would have sent the tire into the cabin. I’m glad your wife is ok. I agree, probably time to start a search for a new rig.

 

[hoser]

My guess is the salvage value on that would be roughly $3k. If the frame and suspension is not damaged..... and you have the time, space and welding skills, I say give it a go. But if you have to pay somebody, then it's probably a no go.

 

[Jack90210]

I would guess the rate of speed decrease was not enough to trigger the sensor. This looks very similar to an overlap test which older cars do not handle well. Sort of like a glancing blow where the sheet metal slowed most of the deceleration, rather than a rigid frame. If the impact was greater (higher speed) that likely would have sent the tire into the cabin. I’m glad your wife is ok. I agree, probably time to start a search for a new rig.

Exactly right on all accounts. Hundys are stout but contemporary vehicles are markedly superior for occupant safety in a crash.

 

[chrisc16]

Thanks for all the feedback and advice everyone. The suspension and frame look untouched to me, and based on the fact that it's not leaking any fluids (and still drives now that I put the spare on), I'm going to try to fix it myself. Figure it's worth a try, if it gets too expensive then I will call it quits and part it out.

 

[Trapper50cal]

It may still be a good idea to have the frame and upper and lower control arm mounts looked at to make sure they are where they were.

 

[chrisc16]

It may still be a good idea to have the frame and upper and lower control arm mounts looked at to make sure they are where they were.

Yes that's true. I guess I can drive it to a shop if I take the hood off. It doesn't latch anymore.

 

[Trapper50cal]

Yes that's true. I guess I can drive it to a shop if I take the hood off. It doesn't latch anymore.

Just find someone who is a known commodity or recommended by folks you trust.
Less honest places will just say yes we can straighten it and charge you for it regardless of whether it's needed or not.
My 2 cents...that may go w/o saying...

That rim took quite a hit.

 

[hoser]

Has all the frame dimensions and such....
Body Repair Manual for Collision Damage

 

[rallymarty]

The airbag firing algorithm **generally** is looking for a minimum change in velocity of around 5 mph in 150 ms for the deployment command - the crash pulse meets or exceeds the firing threshold. With the appearance of a very small overlap crash of the body structure, I'm not surprised the airbags didn't fire. She may have swerved away as well during the impact, decreasing engagement. And the LC likely weighs a bit more than the Acura. Glad you're wife is OK.

Don't waste your money fixing that - diminishing returns. Sell it for parts and roll the money into a new vehicle is my suggestion.

 

[Fairgame]

With new parts, you will be fine if you have the time. Start with breakers first and assess costs including paint etc

 

[chrisc16]

Has all the frame dimensions and such....
Body Repair Manual for Collision Damage

Thanks for this, very helpful. I'm starting to think there is more damage. I put the spare on (same diameter) and the drivers side is still sitting 1" lower than the PS. So something must be tweaked under there.

 

[Fairgame]

Alternatively, find a body and chassis and start again and the beauty is you choose your colour paint