Body Repair Question

[pearlm30]

I recently got a impreza that was in an accident. Left headlight was busted, the radiator support/frame were bent.

My questions are

1) Can I use a rope/belt and tide it up to other car and pull the radiator support that way?

2) Does it have to be done level?

3) Any precautions?

Thanks for the help!!!

[cookie]

The best way to pull without a lot of equipment is with a ratchet hoist. you may have to attach the car to something sturdy like a tree or solid phone pole with a chain or strap. Don't pull anything down.

I have pulled a number of vehicle panels out with shade tree methods. Just be carefull.

[Subie Gal]

why now buy a new rad. core support?

 

isnt that the safe way to go?

 

what car are we talking about here?

 

they are not as expensive as you may think....

 

Jamie

[Andyjo]

3ft crowbar... nuff said

i use that thing for everything... poping out dents, beating the crap out of rust welded on bolts, removing side paneling, poping out break bads, fixing the radio...

[88HatchMonster]

If it still runs fine, chain or strap it to a big tree and slowly back it up in reverse. Have a friend watch so that you don't go too far. Do it in small incriments and check some reference measurents from a non-wrecked impreza as you go.

Thats how I fixed my old hatch back in the day. Maybe not quite perfect, but good 'nuff. Have an alignment done and you're good to go.

This is probably worth doing even if you plan on welding in a new rad support panel as you will want to make sure your frame rails are back where they belong before you try fitting a new panel.

As far as needing to be level, my "good 'nuff" approach is just to consider in what direction the bent panel needs to go to get back to stock and angle your chain or strap accordingly, just don't go overboard as a little angle is usually all you need to remind the metal where to go.

Be careful and good luck!

[Sweet82]

I kinda agree with Subie Gal,

 

What Car do you own?

 

The method you choose is probably directly related to your car?

 

If your car is new you'd wanna replace the part.

If it is an old beater then a phone pole is prolly just fine...

 

However, I'd be real careful with the phone pole method, small adjustments can be very hard to get right and very easy to screw up worse!!!

[cookie]

with the old part before you fit the new one. I have pulled out totaled cars with the drive off method, but it is really had to control and way too easy to go too far. That's why I like hoists. You can pull a click at a time.