New Talon!

Sorry for my lack of knowledge and newbish questions, but i'm learning! :)

So here's the deal; I just bought a 97 Talon ESI for $600. I want it to be my "winter" car since it'll handle better then my Camaro in the snow. However, the reason why it was only $600 is because it was involved in a front end wreck where the front bumper was totally knocked off and the front fenders and hood are a little messed up. (If you want some pictures, go to my main thread about this car: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=622979) I want to turn this car into my "project" car. I've got the bumper, and it has this massive crack in it, I want to try and fix that so I don't have to go out and buy a bumper just yet. I want to save up the money until I can buy a body kit bumper. How would I go about fixing this bumper? Along with the crack in it, some of the "eyehole" type things where it connects to the car are broken off or cracked, how can I fix those? I just want this to be a temporary bumper for a few months or something. How can I go about doing this, or should I even take the time? I already have some resin and fiberglass mat and some bondo that I want to use up.

Aside from the cosmetic problems of this car, there is one problem that should be looked at pretty quick, and that is whenever I start the car and put it in gear, the stearing wheel shakes pretty bad until I get past 30mph or so. I have no idea what it is, and need some suggestions.

Sure this car sounds like a peice of junk, but hey, $600!

Thanks!

P.S. -- How can I figure out if the frame is bent and if it is, is it worth it to try and fix up or do anything with?

Body work... I have no idea. However, the shaking thing could be a balacing problem with the tires, alignment issues (which seems highly from an accident), or chopped/bald tires. My tires are chopped to hell and the car shakes at higher speeds, not lower speeds. I would say take it to a shop and have them test the alignment first. Most places do it for free.

Yeah, I thought about the alignment too. However it doesn't really make sence because the wheel shakes when it's in gear and not moving..

Oh. Must have read that wrong then. Sounds like a transmission problem. Stick or auto?

It's an automatic. I wish somebody would help with the body part.. heh.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99912

check that link it shows you how to repair a bumper. As for the mount however... no clue at all.. Maybe weld a new bracket on? Or if the part on the bumper broke just fiberglass the bumper flat and drill a new hole in that. Fiberglass is pretty touch if done right..

Go get that bumper sprayed with fiberglass that shit works magic.

Thanks! Now I have another question: Is there any way to fix a bent rim without buying a totally new one? It isn't bent very bad, just a little bit right near the top. I'd assume I have to get a new one, but it never hurts to ask. Also, how do you take the dash panels off, the ones around the air vents and controls.. Are there any screws in there? Where is the best place to get Talon replacement/aftermarket parts online besides ebay, and what is the best site/forum to go for for Talon problems/mods and the like?

Thanks!

(Sorry for all the newb questions again. :))

since it's a wheel, i wouldn't risk it. I'd go get another if possible... you mean the front vents in the center console? Stick a really thin screw driver or blade down the side of the plastic by the vent. It shoudl pull out.. The piece around the radio comes off with the piece around the vent controls.. that should pop out I think... No screws that I recall...

For replacements goto a chrysler dealer... I think they can get most parts.. OR get the same part but just for an eclipse from a mitsu dealer. Ebay works or hit up a junk yard. Read the newbie faq on the main forum to look for sites that have after market parts..

We can answer most of your questions here and are a close knit community. but dsmtuners.com is also good. I use both, this one more.

The junk yard is your cheapest bet on rims dude.I work at a tire and oil shop even if you balance a bent rim really good it will still shake.

All the junk yards around here don't really have much of anything for Talons or Eclipses for that matter so I was just curious. Thanks though!