Bent Radiator From Accident - Need Replacing? - bent, but not leaking, seems to be still working.  

MacAttack
  • MacAttack
  • Site Newbie
  • Member No.: 40,232
  • Joined: 18-January 06
  • Posts: 10
  • From: SB Hills, Brisbane, Australia
Post #1 post 20th June 2006 - 10:10 AM
Hi guys (and gals)

I had an accident yesterday with my 06 Accord Euro, it wasn't too bad, but the 4wheel drive that I rear ended had a tow bar, which pierced through my front bumper and front grill, dented my bonnet, and bent my front bar, which bent my radiator as well.

The radiator still works, it wasn't leaking or anything, and my car still drove fine after that.

Do you guys reckon I should still replace my radiator ASAP?

I can get the bonnet fixed at panel beaters, but the bumper will probably cost alot to replace, so I might not replace it at this stage.

I'm more concerned about the car suddenly breaking down out on the road in the near future due to the radiator suddenly going bust.

A guy on eBay is selling a 03-04 Accord Euro radiator for $360. So if I get it replaced by some repair place, should I be expecting to pay around $500 for the full job? (new radiator including installation)

I thought about replacing it myself, but I will probably stuff it up since I don't have the skills and training involved.

I live in Brisbane, so any tips on which panel beaters and repairers to go to for decent price and good job will be great.

Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated! Thank you all.








her323
Post #2

well if its not leaking and the temprature of the car is fine then I suppose you dont need to replace it ASAP.
But I would put it next on the list to replace, you dont want it to be weaken and then like you said, your driving along and you get a leak. You may as well do it all at the same time.

You dont need much skills to replace a radiator. you just gotta bolt it in place and put the hoses back on. Depending on your engine bay. Will probably have to remove a few things at the front to fit it in before you go jamming the radiator in over the top of everything!. Just remember what you remove and where you removed it from so you remember where to put it back on!

MacAttack
Post #3

Yo,

Thanks for ur advice.

I will take my bumper off and assess the situation, and see if I can replace the radiator myself. I suppose I have to find the exact same one first, I'm still not sure if the 03-04 radiator is the same as my 06 Euro, but some research and emails/phonecalls should clear it up smile.gif

I've always wanted to get into cars, so as you said, if the radiator is not a tough job, then it might be a good
starting point for me to really get into light fixing/maintenance of my own vehicle.

The first thing to do is probably get a maintenance/repair manual for my car. (one of those massive 1000+ page bible style books)

If I have any problems, I can always consult you pros and the experts on the great boostcruising community smile.gif

20VGT
Post #4

Get it fixed.......better yet, let your insurance cover it.

I assume that considering you have an 06 accord that you allocated some money to insure that expensive piece of machinery.

If not......have fun. I am sure you will learn a lesson out of this experience.

PHATGM
Post #5

how do you know it is working fine? and whats to say it won't die suddenly?

whats cheaper?

a new radiator

or

a rebuild because you cooked the motor

warney
Post #6

QUOTE(MacAttack @ Jun 20 2006, 10:10 AM) [snapback]1279983237[/snapback]

Hi guys (and gals)

I had an accident yesterday with my 06 Accord Euro, it wasn't too bad, but the 4wheel drive that I rear ended had a tow bar, which pierced through my front bumper and front grill, dented my bonnet, and bent my front bar, which bent my radiator as well.

The radiator still works, it wasn't leaking or anything, and my car still drove fine after that.

Do you guys reckon I should still replace my radiator ASAP?

I can get the bonnet fixed at panel beaters, but the bumper will probably cost alot to replace, so I might not replace it at this stage.

I'm more concerned about the car suddenly breaking down out on the road in the near future due to the radiator suddenly going bust.

A guy on eBay is selling a 03-04 Accord Euro radiator for $360. So if I get it replaced by some repair place, should I be expecting to pay around $500 for the full job? (new radiator including installation)

I thought about replacing it myself, but I will probably stuff it up since I don't have the skills and training involved.

I live in Brisbane, so any tips on which panel beaters and repairers to go to for decent price and good job will be great.

Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated! Thank you all.



mate if you want it done gimme a PM and i will come around and help/show you how to change it , i would be changing it asap , well at least beforee summer when it will be stressed out the most !!!!

Manic 180
Post #7

if its bent there will be weak spots, for all you know its ready to pop at any time, a radiator is simple to swap over, just a little bit of mucking arround but generaly pretty similar to every other car

racsov500
Post #8

dont need to take off the bumper. most cases the only think youll need to unbolt is a fan shroud and maybe the fan. otheriwse its just the two hoses and the auto cooler hoses (on auto cars), and then the radiator itself. darin the water by opening the drain plug on the bottom. if it doesnt have on, just undo the clamp for the bottom hose and pull it off.

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