Quote:
Originally Posted by benhogan
happened this morning. not my kid's fault. do you think the w124 is totalled? and look at the other guy's car
|
It's an easy fix however the retail repair cost can push the car into a "total loss" based on the cars value not the extent of damage.
I had a customer whose car was " totaled " buy a run away shopping cart. It was a 70's ish full sized GM that took a hit in the quarter panel. A 15 ish year old car, no AC , or any other real options pushed the value way down. The car still would have passed safety inspection as is.
For used parts have a look on car-part.com
Prior to any body repairs, get the front end alignment checked, I see the tire is flat and it does not take much of a hit to change toe ( easy to adjust or replace a steering arm ) or caster / camber ( might adjust or need a slight pull that you would want to occur prior to fixing the body. )
The car will need a rough pull of damage _BEFORE_ removing any bolt on parts. Pulling parts that you are going to replace pulls parts you are going to save back into place. If damaged parts are removed first, pulling the parts you are going to save is much more difficult. A tow strap wrapped around a strong tree and a come along winch will work fine.
If the hood is difficult to align, replace the left hinge, these can become bent and very difficult to straighten.