QuestionI have the above mentioned car, recently bought from an auction, and realized that Front Right of the car experienced impact to the point that part of the frame under the hood (including the hood) is bent, where the part where the radiator support welds onto, and the bumper and other stuff is bolted to is bent. I'm a home mechanic, good at going to junkyards to replace damaged parts. Is finding out a camry at a junkyard and cutting out the required part of the body and welding it onto the car a good idea. It's bent and other stuff that comes and hooks upto that part of the body including radiator support assembly is bent and cannot be installed properly. The headlight even I can't put in if I get a new one. Is buying a used welding machine or hiring someone to do it a good idea? Please advise. I like the car's engine and transmission. Think it has potential to be a reliable transport for someone who needs it, that's why I'm going through the trouble.
Sadi
AnswerYOUR 92' CAMRY STILL HOLDS A BLUE BOOK VALUE OF AROUND 3K GIVE OR TAKE A FEW $.
THAT IS IF IT IS IN GOOD CONDITION. WITH THE DAMAGE YOU ARE DESCRIBING YOURS IS WORTH CONSIDERABLY LESS. HOWEVER TOYOTA IS AN EXCELLENT CAR AND INVESTMENT.
YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE A PROBLEM FINDING PARTS AT ANY WRECKING YARD BUT THIS IS NOT AN AREA OF THE AUTOMOBILE FOR A NOVICE
TO PRACTICE ON OR A HOME MECHANIC TO TAKE ON. THESE SUB STRUCTURES HOUSE THE STEERING AND SUSPENSION AND THERE ARE
CRITICLE SAFETY FACTORS TO CONSIDER, EVEN IF A PROFESSIONAL
MADE THE REPAIRS.
MY BEST SUGGESTION WOULD BE TO FIND A GOOD PARTS CAR, THEN SHOP FOR BEST ESTIMATE YOU CAN FIND WITH YOU SUPPLYING
THE REPLACEMENT PARTS. YOU'LL FIND MANY SHOPS WILL WORK WITH YOU IN THAT RESPECT AND YOU WILL SAVE A LOT OF RUPLES.
