I have a car with front-end damage, how can I fix it myself?

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t4t1n3

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It is a '94 Corolla, and I am not sure of the exact extent of damage, only that insurance says it exceeds the value of the car and will igve me $2000 for it, and I can buy the car from them for $500. I can't afford a new car, and I want to fix this up as best I can.

I don't care so much about the damage to the hood, but the radiator is damaged and the lights are too, and so is anything in the front.

What can I do to fix it myself? What do I need to know about cars and where can I do this myself?

Any help is appreciated. Thank you so much.
 
You do not know the extent of the damage... therefor you may end up bitting off more than you can chew... a million things could be wrong, that you're not even seeing.

If you've never done collision work before...
Take the cash... buy another used car... that is my two cents.

- Good Luck!
 
wow that is some serious damage! The radiator might be able to be repaired if not the junk yard will save you alot of money on parts. You might be able to get the whole 'front clip' there as well. It's not as hard as you would think to fix either. If you have someone who knows how and is willing to watch you and show you what to do that is your best bet. That's how I learned. I would have my bro-in-law or friends stand by while I did all the work and when I got in a pinch they were their to guide me. It's still gonna cost you around 500-800. But If you want to do it you can.....Your Frame might be bent to as well from the extent of your damage...I'd get that checked out to. If it is then you really have your work cut out for you.
 
hit the junkyard sites and find a complete front clip for the car with radiator support and radiator. this should give you an idea of the cost involved and whether you feel it is still worth it. it is a labor intensive job and you dont know what else the accident damaged . if the whole front clip isnt damaged then just price the parts you need.
 
You really need to be sure there's no structural damage to the stuff behind the grille and radiator.

If it's just superficial grille and radiator damage, and you can get a new hood, or really be sure the old one is latching properly, you should be able to hunt down parts at some junkyards.

Don't mess with hoods that are damaged, if the latch doesn't work properly, a rear-hinged hood can pop open while you're driving and you could have a serious accident.
 
I agree take the cash and buy another Toyota.
You could have frame damage etc. It is quite posible to fix it but for someone that dosn't do it all the time its more than you probably want to tackle.
 
it isn't worth fixing.....I would take the two grand and go buy a UNWRECKED corolla if you like the cars so much....it will be cheaper and easier in the long run!!!!
 
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