97 RS Automatic, all stock, 280k miles. Liability insurance only (obviously since it is so old). I am not really trying to keep this car as a collector car, it sort of is my beater but I do have sentimental value to it since it is one owner and my first car. I do have a Prius and an IS250 as well. It does not have to be perfect, just drivable as my beater and I am all good.

So long story short I got into a small accident today on the freeway. Slowed down too late and by the time my tire skidded I still ended up crashing into a CRV in front of me. Their plastic bumper is "fine" and a little scratched. My hood is folded up a bit by like 2 inches. The top of the front bumper got pushed in a bit but the bottom seems fine. Based on the look the hood latch is pushed inward and bent the AC condenser. The bumper didn't crack, just scratched up a bit on the paint.

Structurally it seems like I need to get a new hood for safety, bumper reinforcement bar and / or support, maybe the white foam absorber, and finally probably the T frame on the "bulkhead". I think almost all the parts are out of production by now and if I were to get them they would either be used from picknpull, and likely need a paint job if I can't find it in the same Frost White. Another thing is the bulkhead seems to be welded on is that right? I don't know how to weld, is there any other repair method like rivet that would be just as good?

 

Take off the bumper and take pictures of the whole radiator support from the front and from the top and get an estimate from a repair shop that has a frame machine. You will also need to replicate your original engine information label under the hood for smog if you dont get one from a 97.