Well, since it now looks like it won't be replaced anytime soon, I'm concerning myself with cleaning up and making small trim repairs to my Corolla prior to having the paintwork overhauled (likely an expensive job due to the advanced wear on the coat of paint sprayed RIGHT OVER the factory paint). For background it was wrecked before we bought it fixed by someone who should not have been let near a vehicle. Because of this, I need a bit of help:
- I need the bracket that the top radiator mounts and top of the headlight mounts go into, along with the horn and center grille screw. I believe this is called the "upper tie bar". The issue is the passenger side headlamps attachment bracket was cracked. Rather than fix it, this knuckle head used some type of epoxy to mount it to the support
Because of this, there is zero way I can salvage the bar if I remove the headlamp (it would require grinding and it would probably never be the same shape). I would really like to put a new "upper tie bar" on as it looks like it just bolts on. If this is the case, what all do I need to do to get this part off? I'd really like to fix this, but if it requires welding forget it, as the headlamp on it currently is fine, it's just the appearance of things not quite lining up that bothers me.
- Next, the front bumper cover is crooked. I think this is due to a combination of the two sides not being tightened evenly, and possibly the "upper reinforcement" bar being crooked (or not hooked up correctly). to replace this, I figure I need to remove the bumper cover, but then what? Is it welded or bolt on. I'm hoping I don't need to do this but it's a real possibility.
- Finally, the rear bumper cover is also similarly off kilter (left side is higher than the right). I know I won't know why until I get it removed, but is it something difficult to remove/adjust?
- If the bumper covers are the source of the problems I may go with a very conservative body kit as I'm getting the car painted anyway. Any suggestions? I'd like it to be economical (yeah I know, quality = money) in doing so to put more money towards something else. vis and Extreme Dimension's kits are hideous looking to me, sorry. I'll probably just go with OEM if they are damaged but I also know up front you can fit a Subaru Impreza bumper form an older model too.
- I'm also hoping to save a little money on paintwork by doing some things myself, but I'm by no means a pro and plan on leaving jobs that should be done by one to one. Thus far to save bucks I've done the wipers myself, plan on doing the wheels myself, and possibly the rear view mirrors as well IF anyone knows a way to get the glass out of them.
- I figure I can probably sand/Scotch-Brite some rusty spots off to save a little money on prep too... any other suggestions? It has some small dings but I think they can be pulled and not need bondo, so I don't plan on doing that. What about replacing the weather seals around the rear window and door windows (both outside and on the door panel itself)?
On the plus side, the interior is in mostly good shape
Save the paint all fairly minor/inexpensive things (the two brackets/supports are only about $45 a piece plus my time, worst come to worst bumper covers are not too bad, maybe $100/piece from a junk dealer, paint/primer/materials for that are negligible costs) that I think will make a huge difference, and if I'm going to get it painted I might as well make it right.
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