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2003-2009 Nissan 350Z

Damaged front end need advice

Old Mar 23, 2019 | 09:38 PM
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Default Damaged front end need advice









So, January of 2018 I wrecked my baby. And now I’m wanting to fix her up and get her going again. Motor and transmission is still perfect just not sure how to go about fixing her. Didn’t have insurance at the time so everything will be out of pocket. It did push everything on the passenger side inwards so not sure what to do.
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Old Mar 24, 2019 | 12:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Lega_Z








So, January of 2018 I wrecked my baby. And now I’m wanting to fix her up and get her going again. Motor and transmission is still perfect just not sure how to go about fixing her. Didn’t have insurance at the time so everything will be out of pocket. It did push everything on the passenger side inwards so not sure what to do.
Scrap it and dont be that douche that drives without insurance
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Old Mar 24, 2019 | 04:53 AM
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Old Mar 24, 2019 | 06:10 AM
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Find yourself a donor car with a blown motor. Your car is best used for parts.
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Old Mar 24, 2019 | 06:34 AM
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Start with a frame shop, and get multiple opinions to see if it's even repairable. But it really depends on what the car is worth to you, as the cost will add up fast.
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Old Mar 24, 2019 | 08:09 AM
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Agreed^^ There's damage to the upper frame rail that will need to be cut out and rewelded with a new section for starters. Seeking out the right frame shop will be critical, but it's going to be expensive. Not having insurance really cost you, but keep in mind that a shunt that bad probably would have totaled your Z anyway.
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Old Mar 24, 2019 | 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Chihuahuamaster
Start with a frame shop, and get multiple opinions to see if it's even repairable. But it really depends on what the car is worth to you, as the cost will add up fast.
it definitely was my baby and I do have a few good friends who do reputable bodywork so I guess that would be a start
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Old Mar 24, 2019 | 12:25 PM
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Body work is not frame work
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Old Mar 24, 2019 | 12:33 PM
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I understand your attachment; I’ve owned my 350z for 16 years. But, I really think the cost to repair this car is way past its value. You will need to replace most of the front suspension components (both driver side and passenger side because you must be balanced and cannot replace only one side). That cost alone will be more than the salvage value of your car.

And then the body work… Wow! Huge expense!

You need to decide if this car is a better monetary and emotional investment than a replacement.

Last edited by Spike100; Mar 24, 2019 at 12:34 PM.
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Old Mar 24, 2019 | 07:24 PM
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As always you guys came through and helped me with a situation. As bad to me as it is I guess it’s best to part her out. I do have someone interested in the motor and transmission anyway. Thank you all for your help and maybe one day in the future I can be back in the family.
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Old Mar 25, 2019 | 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Lega_Z
As always you guys came through and helped me with a situation. As bad to me as it is I guess it’s best to part her out. I do have someone interested in the motor and transmission anyway. Thank you all for your help and maybe one day in the future I can be back in the family.
You're welcome. We all try to help each other out. Now, it's your turn. Maybe you can tell us something about what caused the wreck of your Z. I've never seen that type of damage before...
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Old Mar 25, 2019 | 02:03 PM
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Unibody frame damage is a no joke repair. As others have suggested, find another Z and swap over the good bits that made it "your baby". Even if you do find a shop willing to take on the job for a fair price, the car will never be the same again. You may face lingering wheel alignment issues, body panel alignment issues, and potential structural integrity concerns. In my opinion, it's just not worth the time and effort, let alone the cost. Almost guaranteed you can find a clean Z with similar mileage in the same year and color if you look hard enough, the price will almost certainly be less than the cost of repairs. If you're mechanically inclined, you can handle swapping/replacing what you want from the older Z to the new one over time. Part out the bits you don't need to help recoup out of pocket expenses.
Good Luck!
-Icer
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Old Mar 25, 2019 | 02:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Lega_Z
Didn’t have insurance at the time
not trying to sound douchie but how do you drive around without insurance? I'm hoping you mean you didn't have full coverage but you carry liability! In which case I'll eat crow!
Isnt it law that you must have auto insurance?

Last edited by bealljk; Mar 25, 2019 at 02:26 PM.
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Old Mar 25, 2019 | 07:32 PM
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Originally Posted by bealljk
not trying to sound douchie but how do you drive around without insurance? I'm hoping you mean you didn't have full coverage but you carry liability! In which case I'll eat crow!
Isnt it law that you must have auto insurance?
yes it is. I was having a hard time financially and didn’t have the funds at the time.
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Old Mar 25, 2019 | 07:32 PM
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Originally Posted by dkmura
You're welcome. We all try to help each other out. Now, it's your turn. Maybe you can tell us something about what caused the wreck of your Z. I've never seen that type of damage before...
Slid in the road avoiding a deer and over corrected and slid down a 40 foot bank and hit some trees
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Old Mar 25, 2019 | 08:33 PM
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Frame shop and get it pulled out. Might be a good solution, might be told by the shop to scrap it.
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