firebird967

My 02 WS6 TA got hit recently (and went up a curb in the process). Passenger side front; not head on, more like where the side turn signal is. Needs a fender, obviously and a rim.
They also tell me the upper rail needs repair/replacement. Don't know how that happened, but okay.

Latest thing now, is that there is some "suspension damage" and they can't get parts, so they want to total the car! (the wheels look pretty square to me, but what do I know)

I have done my best searching, but I can't find exactly what is so special that they couldn't just install new/aftermarket. Are they really looking for the exact 02 WS6 part or nothing at all?
What if it had been just the curb & no body damage? Would I be out a car because of that?

I know I don't have the specific parts to tell you about. I'm trying to get a revised estimate & parts list.

My actual question is this:
If I bought a same year Firebird "mechanic special", could they not use all the parts off that to at least get the TA back on the road?
If I have to get some special suspension later, so be it. I just want the car back for now.

thanks in advance

metalmilitia606

iTrader: (8)

ws6 is basically the same except for sway bars and wheels. Everything else is the same.

garygnu

you need to put it on a rack ,and have it bent back to specs.mite need a new K-member .

js2fst

iTrader: (12)

I might have another k member

firebird967

I got some details today.

R & L inner tie rods
R & L outer tie rods
Rt lower control arm - is this a performance part?
Also needs engine cradle - is this specific to this car?
(they had found a used one originally, but sent it back)

Also, one of the major issues is the radiator support. There is a small crack & a few wrinkles in it and that's what really jammed me up/put into 'totaled' status. They can't get one.

So, not so much a suspension issue as I thought. Looks like most of those parts are available.

As far as you know, are the other parts - specifically the radiator support - swappable from a base Bird?

duh

iTrader: (16)

The radiator support is the same for all 98-02 f-bodies. You could find a 6 cyl car in a wrecking yard with a good one and have it swapped over. As for the k-member, again any 98-02 v-8 k-member will work. Or fork over a bit of cash for a tubular one. Control arms are the same from 93-02. Tie rods are easily purchased at any of the parts stores near you. If you find a 6 cyl car you can get whatever you need off of it besides the k-member. It's really about letting the body shop know what you are willing to let them use. I would talk with insurance and see if they will let you find parts and reimburse you for them. It shouldn't be too much work.

Spartan7

iTrader: (7)

^^^
I'm pretty sure we're talking about sheet metal here, not the plastic radiator shroud.

OP, since that is cracked, you'll also want to have the front horns checked for straightness and damage. Actually, I think the whole frame has to be inspected prior to getting a salvage title.

Raptor_WS6

iTrader: (23)

Wrong

The rad support is the same from 98-02
What your talking about is the lower air lid base that is taller. The rad support goes from fender to fender and is what the lower lid base sits on

DrEvyl

iTrader: (5)

Gotcha. My bad. I deleted the post.

AmDWs6

just let them give you the list of damage to the car, get the money, do it yourself. i'd do that if i were you besides always can upgrade if that's done

firebird967

You guys are awesome - thanks for your support!

I knew this car had been hit long before I got it. Little tell tale signs.
I think this rad support is part of that, as well as the upper rail.
These two items cannot be "unseen" by the body shop, therefore they must be replaced. Not repaired, replaced.

I hit it low and from the side, near the turn signals. This damage is up much higher, though they say that's what the frame is made to do... absorb the shock. There is no way to say 100% that it was existing, or I did it.
Just looks like old wounds to me.
I am stuck with what they say. I can't fix it myself.

@AmDWs6 - that is what I have to do. I have to let the ins. co. pay me, then I can let the shop use whatever parts we find. Part of the problem was that they have to use parts from their supplier (I'm sure you've all heard of LKQ). For an ins. job, they will not use restoration/aftermarket nor will they buy off eBay or use a wreck. It has to be done by the book.

I just find it so hard to believe that the car is not safely drivable because of that crack & wrinkles on the rad. supp., and the dented fender rail. They'll have to remove the windshield and the dash to fix it!

SparkyJJO

iTrader: (11)

Some of that looks new because you can see old stuff (light surface rust) and new (freshly broken paint, no rust). You did indeed dent the support on the passenger side there.