Uhhh, I want to save this car, but...
 

I think it may have suffered frame damage that can't be repaired. :[

Any thoughts on this car? At first glance it just needed a new strut and some new body panels, but now I'm not so sure.

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/v...e/IMG_2296.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/v...e/IMG_2297.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/v...e/IMG_2302.jpg

Re: Uhhh, I want to save this car, but...
 

You could have it inspected for frame damage by a body shop.
The real problem is the wheels are on backwards!;)

Re: Uhhh, I want to save this car, but...
 

Wow, that is freaky, I am currently repairing my pearl white and black '92 with very similar damage, but it was on the passenger's side, though the quarter was really screwed up too. The freakiest part, mine was also made in 12/91.

I'd take some strategic measurements and compare them with the other side, as long as it is within a 1/4", it isn't that bad and will still drive straight, the hard part will just be making it look good.

Re: Uhhh, I want to save this car, but...
 

Both ideas sound like a good plan. Any other thoughts? I'm just looking for a decent body that I can get running again, and I fell in love with this one... unfortunately I found the damage right afterwards, and knowing how unibody construction works I'm fearing the worst for this pearlie. If it helps the damage is from a Nissan Xterra at a total collision speed of around 20-25 mph.

Re: Uhhh, I want to save this car, but...
 

LOL Blacky, :Lol:. I'm going to college and my teacher taught us how to see how bad the frame is. It involves chalk and a plum bob to make X's. You use a long straight edge to line up the centers of the X's. You could also measure the angles but you have to make sure you can do it accurately. I don't know if you ever heard of it? It would be really easier if you had a lift with a floor you can draw on. I did it on a mid 90's Corolla.

Were they driving the car like that? Cause if they were you could tell if the alignments screwed up by the tire wear. Or an aligment will let you know but thats spending a lil' money.

Re: Uhhh, I want to save this car, but...
 

Well here's the question... does it look bad enough to turn you guys away from a $500 svx? Is it possible this car needs an entire new shell, or is it alright for what it is and a good idea to save it from certain crushing?

Re: Uhhh, I want to save this car, but...
 

I've fixed worse....

A good frame shop could pull it back into shape...

Re: Uhhh, I want to save this car, but...
 

Save her!!!

Re: Uhhh, I want to save this car, but...
 

It's definatley fixable trust me.

Re: Uhhh, I want to save this car, but...
 

Considering all the responses I've gotten, I'm going to try and take the plunge and get this car for myself (obviously taking a tape measure with me so I can make sure it won't kill me the second I get it on the road). I've been looking for one of these cars to fix for some time, and there's no better feeling than rescuing a beautiful car like this from the crusher. Wish me luck guys.

Re: Uhhh, I want to save this car, but...
 

i had one that the door seal area and quarter panel was twice as bad kid i got it from slid into a tree and it had no frame damage.... they are built pretty good:)

Re: Uhhh, I want to save this car, but...
 

No matter what anybody says, if you have the money to buy a nice SVX that will always be cheaper in the long run.

Re: Uhhh, I want to save this car, but...
 

I would say its worth it if everything else is mechanically sound. Otherwise I'd say pass.