Hey guys, just wondering what some HT'ers would do.
I got into a non-fault accident March 30 - hit a guy doing 40 after he pulled out in front of me. I got the check from the guys insurance company and of course it's nowhere near what repairs are gonna cost but they'll pick up the additional amount.

I got laid off and I'm tempted to keep some of the money and skip out on a body shop doing the work so I'll have some money in my pocket while going to school.
I just want some opinions on what you guys would do, keep the check and just pick up an unmatched bumper/hood or have a body shop just repair everything?

Couple pics, obviously there could be some hidden damage especially to the frame but I've felt no difference in handling, no vibrations, no nothing, all feels normal. I also pulled the fenders off on both sides and what was left of the bumper to look, some small metal bends I found around the headlight area when I looked hard at the impact site but nothing major.

 

Almost looks like you could save the hood as long as its just paint transfer from the other car. You can wet sand it off with some 1500 grit and buff/polish it with some 2000, or 3000 if you can get it. Just be careful around the edges as the clear is thin there.

I would just try and find a bumper and corner light and call it a day. Pocket the money.

 

im with sum on this one!!

 

Thought so, I'll probably just end up replacing the bumper and corner light and call it a day then. Idk about the hood, when I hit him I only hit his rim so it tore the paint off the hood there down to the metal and left a small dent - I may leave it as is or find a black primered one to match the bumper and leave them black.

 

easy jus a new bumper and bumper support

 

You can find new parts cheap... Depending where you live in cali there are people who sell new aftermarket parts on craigslist.
Make sure you pull that bumper support and look behind it.
If there is nothing bent behind it then replace it, or the bumper and fender will not line up.

 

Yea, I have a friend who may be able to hook me up with a brand new bumper and hood for cheap.
I haven't pulled the support itself off yet but I've taken the bumper completely off and looked over the support, it seems pretty intact, not bent at all besides that small bend at the end near the shock absorber I have to replace. I'll pull it off tomorrow and examine it, if it seems okay and there's no bends is it really necessary to replace the bar? -especially if I can slide the new shock absorber into place.

If I painted the new hood and bumper a flat/matte black, I heard it's best to put on a "low gloss" or no gloss clear coat to protect it otherwise the paint just get's torn up over time, do clear coats like that exist? I thought they all gave a glossy/shiney coat?

 

It doesnt look too bad. It is best to remove the parts affected to make sure there is nothing hidden that is damaged.

 

Wow, looks like you had the same accident I recently had. My condolences.