Mechanicos

Hello everyone, i have a Honda Civic Hatchback 2005 1590 iVTEC Petrol Automatic and i have done some damage on the front panel and radiator. i am considering removing it my self and fitting a new one, is there any how to guide on how to remove the front panel?

I know how to remove the front bumper which is the easy part but i have no idea how hard it is to replace a front panel. Is it even possible to replace the front panel with out taking the whole car apart?

Colin42

The hood? The fender?

Mechanicos

No no, the front panel its the whole metal frame at the front of the car where the radiator is fixed on. also the front lights are fixed on the front panel see the link below.

http://www.newvehicleparts.co.uk/hon...panel-complete

Colin42

Ah, the rad support, I believe its welded in. At minimum, you'd probably have to remove bumper, lights, + rad. Possibly fenders as well. But I haven't done it.

Mechanicos

Or i could try to bend it back in place and see if the radiator will sit back in

Colin42

You can try...
Just remember the metal will be weaker since its been damaged.

Mechanicos

You are right, i will try and see, if the frame is heavily damaged then i will have to replace it, the mechanic is asking for £2100 to replace the front panel, radiator and lower bumper. if i do it my self it will cost be about £80 for the radiator, £80 for a used front panel and i wouldnt change the bumper since the car can be driven. that is a big difference.

dsm482

you mean the radiator support.. it welded.. if you replace it you have to tig welded or spot welded.. to remove the old one you need to drill out the sport welds...

on the new or used make sure u drill same holes.. and the spot weld like factory..

it will be same strength.. thats how body shops do it anyways..