The Damage Done

[taser1984]

Going to the original idea on the topic, the front radiator mount _is_ replaceable, but it does require removing the radiator, fans, a/c condenser, wires and sensors, and everything else attached to it (make sure you have someone recover the refrigerant responsibly if it wasn't discharged in the accident), then drilling out all the spot welds and welding in a new one. And painting it. And reassembling all the parts. All that provided the frame and unibody are straight enough not to give you any problems. On mine (it wasn't quite as bad) I pulled the bends out the best I could with a comealong and a tree, made sure the hood latched, and drive it like that (I have a strong attachment to this specific car).

Rear quarter panels are also replaceable, but it requires welding, panel bonding, painting, etc. Yours don't look that bad though. I'm not very familiar with the structure across the back of the car other than the rear bumper, so as far as fixing the lower part where the trunk latches, I dunno.

[flyguy123]

My wife has one that is missing some parts if your interested in it I will sell it to you cheap. Its located in Worthington PA.

[vrmlbasic]

The real problem with the rear quarter panels is that the passenger side has been bent lower than it should be, but I was thinking that I could raise that back up...somehow.

I was thinking of getting a hitch winch for my truck anyhow, so I think I'll get one and use it to pull the frame back out in the front. If I do have to replace the radiator mount, I wouldn't bother painting it..stainless steel is ok for me, and no one will ever see it

I really don't want to let my vintage lesabre go, and I'm prepared to put (more) blood, sweat, and tears into fixing her.

As for the lesabre in PA, could you tell me more about it? I'm interested....it wouldn't be white, would it ?

[spinne1]

Originally Posted by vrmlbasic

The real problem with the rear quarter panels is that the passenger side has been bent lower than it should be, but I was thinking that I could raise that back up...somehow.

I was thinking of getting a hitch winch for my truck anyhow, so I think I'll get one and use it to pull the frame back out in the front. If I do have to replace the radiator mount, I wouldn't bother painting it..stainless steel is ok for me, and no one will ever see it

I really don't want to let my vintage lesabre go, and I'm prepared to put (more) blood, sweat, and tears into fixing her.

As for the lesabre in PA, could you tell me more about it? I'm interested....it wouldn't be white, would it ?

The frames on these cars are basically two pieces that bolt together, and also bolt to the car itself in only a few places. It would be pretty easy to replace the whole frame with one from a junkyard IF yours is damaged. It would be a far better solution than trying to bend yours back without professional body equipment. You'd need an engine hoist to support the engine/tranny and also some jackstands or stacks of wood to support the body of the car (if you use bigger pieces of wood it would spread the force out enough to not go through the floor of the vehicle.) Once your car is supported, you could get the frame off in about 30 minutes. You'd need to remove five bolts from the steering gear, four or six bolts from the frame itself that go into the body near the four corners of the frame, and also the two bolts on each side that hold the control arms to the car (use a 7/8" wrench and a 21mm socket for the smaller bolt, and a 15/16" and 1" socket for the big bolt). You will also have to likely remove a few more things, but not many (like the AC compressor shield.)

[vrmlbasic]

That's a cool idea, though it would require an engine hoist, and more importantly, solid ground.

Sand/Dirt doesn't seem to suitable. At the PicknPull junkyards, I don't think I'd have the luxury of a secure base, but what do I care if the junker dies?

I'll need to look into this in the morning..