DIY body work a good idea?

[*96*X]

ok heres the deal i wrecked my truck 6-8 weeks ago and i have planned to take apart my entire front end ( b/c everything from front doors up needs to be fixed) I plan on getting a haynes (spelling) and going to a junkyard to get parts fenders, hood, header panel, 00 mounty headlights, grille, front bumper and maybe a bumper cover. So what im getting at is... do you think this is 2 big of a task to take own myself?O and another thing i cant get the hood up any good ideas? Ill post pics of a truck that looks alot like mine. I dont have any pics ill try to get some here in a few days. thanks yall for any info.

heres the link hope alphabets13 dont mind:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=111725

 

[huskyfan23]

Doesn't sound that bad, the front suspension will be the hardest part.

 

[jasonb]

if its just body work then you should be fine.

 

[*96*X]

you think the front suspension will be messed up. I went to the body shop and they said that what i just listed is whats wrong with it. BUT they did say that they cant tell what else is wrong w/o getting the hood open. Im just a poor kid that whats to learn a thing or 2

 

[huskyfan23]

I remember a previous post you talked about a front end swap. Anyways, body being all should be simple.

 

[*96*X]

o another thing well a HUGE thing where the Passenger door and the fender meet there like side by side you cant even open the door do you think the frames bent or the fender is. I drove the truck a few weeks ado i didnt pull shake or anything like that. I just need i little insight. Thansk for all the info. Maybe some one on here can help get me started?

 

[*96*X]

bump

 

[jasonb]

its hard to answer without seeing it. can you get some pictures of it?

 

[shaggsta]

Take your time, get good parts and you'll be fine. If the frame is bent, you can get it alligned at a shop and do the rest yourself. It is probably bent body panels causing problems though. Good luck

 

[Blee1099]

Without pics this thread is worthless.. We can't give you a good answer without any pics.. We don't know the extend of the damage on the exterior.. Depending on how severe the frontal impact was, you could easily have a bent frame.. The only way to tell would be for you to take pics of your truck and to look over it.. Take pictures of any damage & anything that doesn't look right to you on the frame and/or suspension.

 

[*96*X]

well like i said those pics posted are alot like mine. ill try to some pics takn sometime this week. thanks again.

 

[MONMIX]

Man, things can go south real quick if ya don't know what to look for.
Your core support can be swung half an inch and if you don't know what to look for you will be cussing for hours as to why you can't get the sheet metal to line up.

 

[Glacier991]

DIIY body work is a tough call... everyone has different abilities. If the hit was major.... MONMIX is right.... dings and dents are one thing.... frame work is another. Get some pics and let MONMIX look at em - he's a PRO. Does it for a living.

 

[*96*X]

heres the link http://www.cardomain.com/id/1fastmustang04 its the last pic on page 2. I think i might still fix it up if i have enough money! I got a new car 2 check it out

 

[Blee1099]

Can't really tell the extent of the damages in the pic.. Obviously the bumper, grille, and fender look like they were damaged.. I assume the hood as well.. Can you get any better shots than this

 

[*96*X]

well no not really. it don't start.... i cant move it. Thats the best i can do. the hood is off set 2. i think the frame is bent a small amount

 

[Blee1099]

How about a few pics from a little bit further away? and maybe one or two from the side at a angle or something..

 

[MONMIX]

header pannel, grille, bumper at least.

Like Blee said, a few more shots. Side, front, over the hood& fender.