Hey guys, got an EJ7 that I picked up, motor is in great condition as well as the body besides a little bit on the front end. Here are some pictures. I had the bumper off, and the damage didn't look too bad, just kind of bent. Just wanted you guys' opinions on what I can do. Keep in mind I am a mechanic with access to a full range of tools, lifts, etc. As well as extra experienced manpower. The frame's structural integrity is still there, I just want my bumper, hood, and fenders to line up.

Pics are off my phone, so quality might not be the greatest.

Showing how the hood hangs over a bit.


Showing how there is a gap beneath the headlight


Again, showing the hood


Side view of my new EJ :D


Right when I got it, with gay purple tint.

 

Without seeing the frame, it looks like you just need to get everything aligned. Not too bad really....

 

Well, the front part of the frame seems pushed down a tad (by the radiator) and in a little. I can see where the guy took a hammer to it, and probably messed it up even more. I'm afraid that due to the impact, the frame bent on the passenger side beneath the fender. I'm a complete novice when it comes to body work, so, excuse my elementary questions here. I'll take the bumper and fenders off probably Monday or something and take pictures of the frame.

Until then, how difficult is it to bend the frame back?

 

Yeah, pics would help a lot. From my understanding, getting the car on a frame machine is around $1000, so probably not worth it unless you find a good hookup.

Putting in a new radiator support is relatively easy though.

 

doesnt look too bad at all.

i had a hatch that had a slight amount of frame damage in the front. i got it back to close but my hood still "underhung" (the opposite of what you have) my front bumper.

to fix it i slotted the holes in the bumper to allow more room to align it.

you might be able to get away with that. and its alot easier and cheaper than a frame machine (as hawkze stated)

 

replace the bumper shouldt be any strutural damage MAY have to bend tweek the support but i doubt it

 

i charge 1 hour to drive a car onto the frame machine and chain it down, or 2 hours to drive it on and put the car on pinch weld clamps. then we just charge for how many hours it takes to repair damage. shop rate is around $50 an hour for frame time(where im located). so you can see this is very affordable. as most simple frame repairs are 1-3 hours. also anyone with a frame machine should have frame measurement specs to be able to pull your core support back to where it goes, not just hammer it to where they think it needs to be. i would deff speak with a few reputable shops in your area about a price.

 

yea it isnt going to cost you anywhere near 1000 to go onto frame machine. I run a body shop but dont have a frame machine so have frame shops do work for me ranges anywhere from a six pack to a few hundred dollars. Seems to me like u just gotta realign your parts maybe bend the rad support a bit you might be able to do yourself. If anythign get a new rad support there cheap.

 

PeejEJ7... judging by the pictures, your car is a complete loss. For saftey purposes, please dispose of it accordingly.

 

LOL get that **** out of here.

But yeah, thanks guys. I'm going to get it up on a lift to take some good pictures for you guys. I took the bumper and grille off again and the frame on the top is pushed down, and the passenger bottom part of the frame in the front is pushed in slightly, and I can see where someone welded small parts of the frame.

I think I can solve my hood/headlight problem without a frame machine, but what I am worried about is the gap between the passenger fender and the hood. I have a feeling the frame is bent a little too much. Can I tweak the alignment of the passenger fender to just hide this? I'm pleased with how my car sits, it's completely flat, and the minimal structural damage doesn't really hinder anything mechanically. It's all cosmetic. Just worried about how it all looks at this point, then I can proceed with everything I want to do to this car :3

 

Pics of frame?!?!

You might also want to look into a Helms manual so you can compare your frame measurements to the factory specs.

 

Btw, your EJ7 looks like an EJ8. Painted trim, hubcaps (those are '98-'00 EX hubcaps) and the moonroof.

 

Well, it is for sure a 98 EX. What is the difference between an EJ7 and EJ8? And can I find out by sticker? I'm almost positive its EJ7.

 

I thought it was a '98 EX (based on hubcaps and front/rear end). The EX is an EJ8. The HX is an EJ7.

The fourth through sixth VIN digits are your chassis code.

 

Well. Time to make a new acct name.

 

Done
Co-worker at my shop is going to help me bend the frame back, we will see how it goes and I will have pics for any input from you guys! Thanks for all of the input thus far.

 

Doesn't look too bad. Good luck with it!