Hey guys, my friend had an accident the other day and I've offered to help him out with the repairs. At a glance it looked easy, it still is however i need to push out the rad support and the middle section also. Is this recommended or should i get these parts 2nd hand? I've tried to pull the parts out but they just won't budge, I'm assuming they have been welded on somehow? Is there anyway to remove them??

Here are some pics - he got quoted 2500 to fix it.

Sorry for the bad quality, will take better daytime ones when i get the chance (and if required).

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs010.snc1/2882_205424130120_862880120_6858475_6153524_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs010.snc1/2882_205424150120_862880120_6858479_6283615_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs010.snc1/2882_205424155120_862880120_6858480_3793755_n.jpg

mmmmm Hammer from behind?

;1037766']mmmmm Hammer from behind?

I've got a rubber mallet, wooden mallet and a hammer and some blocks of wood to tackle the task. It was dark when i came back from Jolly's with some parts so i couldn't have a real go at it. However i don't have much swing room (i tried a couple of times to test it out). This may work, is there an easier technique?

maybe some really strong rubber put behind it, pull on it as hard as you can while he whacks it?

definitely a 2nd hand parts job

the verticle lock panel (the bent piece you refer to)

is not overly expensive from mitsy when my car got done
somewhere around 100 - 150bucks i think?
i beleive it is welded into the upper radiator support tho.

Hammering is just going to create more damage in the wrong spot. The professionals bolt the car down and use hydraulics or a block and tackle at the point of impact to reverse the crash damage. I've had some success lowering a crowbar behind such damage and levering with the bottom of the crowbar against the ground or a subframe and pulling on the other end. Just go slow and visually inspect any changes - not only do you need to pull the support straight, you must watch the bonnet shut line as well. It can be done!

Hammering is just going to create more damage in the wrong spot. The professionals bolt the car down and use hydraulics or a block and tackle at the point of impact to reverse the crash damage. I've had some success lowering a crowbar behind such damage and levering with the bottom of the crowbar against the ground or a subframe and pulling on the other end. Just go slow and visually inspect any changes - not only do you need to pull the support straight, you must watch the bonnet shut line as well. It can be done!

Yeah a crowbar did come to mind mate, i shall use that first and use your advice. Thanks!

Welding yeah that also came up, but as i am doing this for free i don't want to spend too much on tools just for his car. Free being labour, as it's a learning experience for me and he's cool paying for the parts.

Okay after 3 days, two trips to jolly's and $231 later i fixed it all up (well mostly). I got it to a driveable condition, aircon needs a regas and it's not a pro job but i saved him 2250 bucks. Unfortunately i didn't take photos of it fully assembled so just imagine a white bumper. Sits on with about a 1.5cm gap in between top of bumper and lights/grille. Probably because of my backyard fix and not being able to fully align everything perfectly. Went for a test drive and no problems at all. I'd be pretty happy if it was my car (but then i'd eventually do it an even better job )

I didn't change his bonnet as i couldn't transport it to my house, so i just bashed the crap out of his until it was pretty flat :D It locks and can't be opened so no biggie.

Pics:
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs034.snc1/4317_211202450120_862880120_6992806_8339309_n.jpg
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs034.snc1/4317_211202460120_862880120_6992807_5767591_n.jpg
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs034.snc1/4317_211202465120_862880120_6992808_5677895_n.jpg
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs034.snc1/4317_211202470120_862880120_6992809_6810082_n.jpg