320000 mile Prius battles for life

Well Friday was not a great day for the Prius as it bumped into a car that suddenly stopped on a right turn.

The damage is extensive with everything just a little bent up. So e wait for the insurance people to come in with an offer so I can get to work and fix it.

 

$6,800 repair bill from the crash shop - so the little car has been written off. Sad day.

So I purchased it back off the insurance company for $1,300.

Parts on order $265.00 Rad support back on shape with block of wood, hammer and some lock pliers. Over all may cost around $1,000 to fix in parts and paint. Total time spent so far 2 hours.

The crash shop charged the insurance company $2,500 to tell them the car was a little broken.

Photos of progress over the weekend.

 

Here are a few photos of the progress to date. Fitted the old set of original fans - that went in very easy after moving the radiator hoses around for half an hour! LOL We pick up the panels and hinges today so I can do the trial fit and check panel gaps. That should only take a few hours so I can check the headlight levels to make sure I have that all set right. If all goes well I will then get the bumper cover and paint.

 

We supplied all the receipts for the engine and work done on the car over the past year.

So we got in total $3,500 for the car. It was worth that in parts to me if you take into account the engine, battery, tires and new cat. My wife needs the Prius for her job as she can do up to 250 miles per day! Having a new car for this type of work = fail on the wallet.

 

Frame took none of the impact! the rad support took it all. Zero strength in that part of the car.

 

Progress today - good panel fit for bonnet (hood) and fender. Painted the new hinges and fitted.

Right side headlight 1/16 too high still - just need the new tie bar to arrive so I can firm up the radiator support. The hood latches now even with the slightly bent up old tie bar in place - I sort of bashed it out with my block of wood and trusty hammer.

Once I have the headlight fitting it will be paint the inside of the hood and fender and put it all back together for the outside paint.

Oh and the bumper cover... Still have to get one of those.

So over all I think I am past half way now.

 

Update: Paint is on the hood and fender. Just waiting on the tie bar and bumper cover to arrive.

Put the barges back on and check the fluids - good to go.

Total bill so far $700.

 

95% completed now with bumper painted and almost fitted correctly.

Just need to add all the spoiler ans splash shields on.

 

The car still drove straight after the crash. It really was minor bump at very low speed. The crash shop milked it for all they could get!

Also I have repaired cars from a very young age (dad was panel beater painter) although not formally qualified in that trade. Here is one of my better jobs - An Australian 1 tonner ute from 1979.

 

Cheers! We will take the baby to 500,000 mile yet!!

 

Getting close now!

 

Off to the inspection today. Fingers crossed it passes!