I've gone through this once on insurance (hit a deer), and will be doing it again (Civic hit me). The sheet metal comprising the two front panels (above and below the big grille) are not structural and can be "peeled off". Underneath you will find thick "structural" metal, and if this is bent then it will need to be pulled out by a competent shop. The two corner pieces are structural only because they contain the A pillar, below that they are not. The standard way to replace them is to cut the A pillar at the mid point on both the vehicle and the replacement panel, insert a tube to provide reinforcement for the joint and weld it in place. These corners aren't really too expensive either, considering their importance and that they are a dealer only item, about $250 each. How the doors line up and operate will give you a good indication of how much structural deformation has occurred, as well as the condition of the radiator. In my first repair there was no damage to the underlying heavy gauge structural metal, and replacement of one corner panel and the lower sheet metal cost $1800, including painting. Unfortunately, it was all undone by the Civic. This time I took the money and bought a stereo along with a few other doo dads. With a little paint to prevent rust, aligning the headlight, and an $80 bra it's "fixed" for now! Stuart |
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