03-02-2010, 06:47 PM
It really depends on how deep the damage goes. Bumper gone and bent quarter panel is fine.
Frame damage so that the top or bottom of the door frame, or door latch is moved more than a half inch - total the car because the crumple zone has been compromised. They might be able to get it to look straight, but it will crumple like tissue paper the next time it is hit.
It has been a long time since my last bad accident. I had an early 1970's Japanese car and the first repair shop could not straighten the frame because it was too strong. They kept snapping the bolts that held the tabs they attached to the chain to pull on.
Frame damage so that the top or bottom of the door frame, or door latch is moved more than a half inch - total the car because the crumple zone has been compromised. They might be able to get it to look straight, but it will crumple like tissue paper the next time it is hit.
It has been a long time since my last bad accident. I had an early 1970's Japanese car and the first repair shop could not straighten the frame because it was too strong. They kept snapping the bolts that held the tabs they attached to the chain to pull on.