Status update, need opinions

[Pir0San]

Well, I was in an accident a year ago, and messed up the front end of my Z. I finally got around to getting good pictures of the damage today, and I wanted to see all of your opinions on the damage and what to do. I practically wrote an essay on Zdriver.com about this same topic, but I wanted to also see what you all felt about my Z and what I should do. Instead of copying and pasting, I'm going to leave a link to the post on Zdriver, and if you guys want to post back with your ideas, please post them here.

Click here for link.

[Zs-ondabrain]

What are you gonna do for the front end? Back to original or go with the fiberglass or ABS spoiler?

2 new light buckets, 1 fender, couple doglegs, little sheet letal here and there. And your good.

However, you need to drop the hood bra so you can see the damage there. The frame still looks decent and the radiator support can be dolly'd out.

Believe it or not, you're actually lucky that the damage was'nt more severe.

JM2CW

Dave.

[Pir0San]

I took the bra off, and the hood is dented backwards. It bent my grill a little bit, but it looks repairable (the grill). I've got two new headlight buckets, a new hood, a fender that needs very little work, and I was planning on cutting some sheet metal from another Z at Pick N Pull for the rust fixes.

I left the bra on there because the paint underneath it is positively hideous.

Thanks for taking the time and checking out my post. I moved my pictures to photobucket, to make it easier to check them out.

Photobucket link

[Zs-ondabrain]

OK so the question is still this. What are you gonna do with the front? Spoiler or stock?

Reason I ask is the spoiler will run you under $200 in most cases. The 2 front corners and the center vallance will likely be more, all depending on where ya get them.

[Nigel1943]

Looks to me the front has been knocked sideways. I'd start by checking the drivers side frame rail position and jack it into place first. Have your new panels to hand and offer them up as you jack. Hood looks a gonner.

[Pir0San]

Yeah, the hood is indeed gone, but I've got a cherry hood sitting in my room right behind me. To me, the frame rail doesn't look tweaked, it looks like when we collided, the bumper support bracket folded on the driver's side, and shoved the mounting area outward slightly. When this happened, it caused the radiator support and headlight bucket side to fold a little bit, which also damaged the fender. I plan on dismantling the front end and taking a look.

As for the choice of an airdam/spoiler/spook versus the stock valence, I'm still undecided. I like the look of the spoiler, but I'm concerned of hitting it on the ground, curbs, speedbumps, etc. I've seen too many spoilers become damaged, which makes me weary to get one. There are also some nasty speed bumps at the college I attend, so it would depend on how it would fit and how far away from the ground it is at stock ride height. I haven't really found any spoilers that catch my eye either, but then again, all I have seen is in the MSA catalog, and their pictures look as if they were taken back in the 50s.

I do have a spare valence, and a spare corner for the damaged side, but both need some tlc to get them just perfect.

[Zs-ondabrain]

As for the front spoiler. Go for the ABS one, like mine. They take one hell of a beating and if your Z is still at stock hieght, you definately have NOTHING to fear. My Z has been lowered 1.5 inches and The only time I hit something is when I pull up to the local 7-11 and bump their high curb.

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/7AD1/50-1411

And the good news is, The ABS (Xenon) spoiler bounces right back. If you have it painted, make sure they use a little extra Flex additive in the mix.

Also, I found Anti-chip film at the local auto parts store (Schucks/Krager/Checker) and I think it's from 3M. It's peel and stick Clear plastic film (8"X 12') and costs about $16.00 .....FYI.....

Here's the link....

Dave.

[Pir0San]

Thanks Dave, I appreciate the input. I felt helpless for a while because I lost my job, but now that I have a new job, life is great, and I'm making enough money that if I save for a few months, I can fix the Z.

I heard the same thing about the Xenon spoilers, and I was looking into them. The link you posted was for the exact spoiler I had my eye on.

Oh, and your link for the 3m film didn't show up, but I have an idea what you're talking about. A guy I knew had a dad with a corvette stingray and he had this clear film on the back of the car where the hardtop would meet the metal, to keep it from scratching/chipping the paint. I'll take a look into it.

[Zs-ondabrain]

OK, I found it. It's from a company calle TRIMBRITE and the product is called BODY GUARD.

It comes in a 5 7/8th" X 12 feet roll. It's clear and smooth and they also offer black and textured

The part number is T9020 and it's available at Schucks. or Krager or Checker )Auto parts. You might be able to buy online cause it's about $16.00 at schucks. But I think of ALL the man hours put into fixing what this product prevents. No contest.

http://www.trimbrite.com/PDFs/Catalog14-15.pdf

It's in a PDF form but it tell you the same and has a picture.

Here's there home page. Go to "Product/Catalog" Then click on the "specialty and repair 2" link. but make sure you check out their other stuff as well.

http://www.trimbrite.com/

Dave.