89StangGTConvertible

Never thought this would happen to me, but it did... freakin' SUX! learn from me kids, GET HOOD PINS!! Usual damage to cowl panel - crushed like a sardine can... anyone have luck bending this piece back into shape? Wiper linkage is bent up (can this be straightened out?), and therefore the wipers won't work... will I need new hood hinges too? Car got towed to a body shop by insurance company (I have full collateral coverage). Body shop called and said they can't write the estimate and can't fix it cause parts aren't available (true - a cowl panel needs to be cut out of a donor car)... I'm thinking of getting the money directly from the insurance company and taking care of this myself. Would prefer to bend it back, as opposed to ripping out the windshield, removing a million spot welds, etc., etc. SO, my question stands... anyone have luck bending it back? If so, techniques used? Any long-term side effects? Thanks!

GTstangB.F.D.M.

lol.. good luck.

Maxwelhse

Oh that sucks... If it were mine, I'd ship it to the body shop and take my lumps.

I have a truck I smashed up sitting in my garage with the same thoughts that you're having... Its been there for 3 years...

Was it an aftermarket hood or did your stock hood latch give up?

rmodel65

the fix is a new cowl but you can straighten it out... the body shop or you can use this http://www.eastwood.com/stud-welder-...ng-system.html grind paint off, weld stud use slide hammer on stud to pull metal back out grind pin off wipe with filler and prime paint etc...

89StangGTConvertible

After market hood - Cervinis mach 1. Not sure what happened... I pulled the car on ramps in my driveway, changed the oil, shut the hood while it was still on the ramps... perhaps because of the angle it didn't shut right(?) who knows... scary when it blew open as I was getting on the highway... luckily I was able to pull over by sticking my head out the window.

89StangGTConvertible

Thanks, man... I'll check it out.

Maxwelhse

Again, that sucks, and I'm glad it went safely...

That said, my stock hood is STAYING!

If you decide that you want full cowl replacement, a local junkyard here is stocked deep with Foxes (Typically).. The owner of the yard has about 6 of his own, so he likes to keep some "inventory" around. They might ship one to you.. Mills Auto Parts, Fort Wayne, IN. (They ARE NOT cheap though, and their yard monkeys are kinda d**ks...)

89StangGTConvertible

Thanks, I might have to go that route... I see the cowl panels on ebay too, $150 all the way to $400.... hoping to bend it back though.... we'll see!

Maxwelhse

No harm in trying!

I'd like to remove my cowl just to sand and paint in there... I see some surface rust starting and I don't care for that at all!

89StangGTConvertible

yeah, no harm trying to bend it back... can always cut out the old and weld in a new one if worse comes to worst. I am looking into a paintless dent repair place now... insurance estimate is coming in this morning... can't wait to see what they're gonna offer to fix it...