Hello guys, newbie here. Just got this car at auction and damage is worse than anticipated. Both wheels on right side were cracked in half. There some damage to lower sub frame cross member and skid plates. Rear wheel severed the brake line in the wheel well. Have lots more work than anticipated. Front right wheel looks pushed back but haven’t found from where. The guy that wrecked clearly hit a pole and went over the curb. Rear tail pipes under axle are flatten from curb

 

 

I’ve never bought a wreck from the auction to rebuild. Hope you got a good deal. Good luck

 

I’ve bought about 10 cars at auction. Some are easier than others. Sometimes there are surprises. Car has 51k miles sounds great, even the A/C works. But this suspension stuff will be interesting. I figured I would post in “build” thread.

 

Subscribed to see the outcome.

 

Spent most of the day chasing parts. All day ordeal. Here is a shot of the front fender removed from impact with pole. Looks like car may have some lower control arm damage. Wheel is slightly pushed back.

 

It’s been awhile since last post, but finally got the sub-eng. crossmember out and replaced. Crack was worse than I thought.

 

 

I also, had to remove hub as it was damaged. Outer tie rod and bolt holding rack/pinion are on order.
But it’s coming along slowly. Now with hard part done, hopefully we can move little faster. I’ve been busy with work too, so that delayed things as well.

 

 

 

Got the rear door lined up and got most of the dent out with welded stud puller.

 

modified the base grille by going from the med. gray to high gloss black with clear. Now it’s kinda looking like a storm trooper Lexus.

 

Always wondered what that grill would look like in black!

With all the repairs, are you over the cost of just getting a non-accidented one?

 

I wasn’t anticipating the price of those wheels and the need for the sub-frame crossmember, but a similar car of same year/mileage I’m seeing is a $24-26k price. I’m at about $9k under that. It is salvage title so that has a deduction in value, but I’m keeping the car to drive for hopefully many years.
Good news is no air bags deployed and that is huge.