So over the winter, I was goofin' around in a snowy parking lot doing donuts, etc. and of course ... I slid into a guard rail :\
I drove it home however; no problem. Apparently, it damaged my hood, fenders, front bumper, and lights.

I put it on a lift and had a look, and there doesn't appear to be any frame damage; it looks like it was just the radiator core support that was bent, along with the driver-side fender (because I opened the door and it touched). I guess that fixed itself, because after opening the door once or twice, it didn't make contact anymore ... But I clearly need a new fender; regardless.

So anyway, I've gone ahead and removed the broken parts and junked 'em; hood, front bumper, broken glass/lights, etc. And replaced the severed power-steering line. So the car is now driveable again (during the day at least); I just covered it in tarp to protect the engine bay, etc. Yet it was nice to drive her again, since she's been sitting all winter.

So my question is, should I replace the OEM radiator core-support, or can do the tube-thing instead; which I often see on drift cars? That appears to be simpler, cheaper, and overall lighter, in my opinion; not to mention more spacious; so it seems benefitical that way; however there may be something I'm unaware of.


THEN








NOW









What do you guys think?

OEM or Tube?

 

Thanks for sharing pics! It's up to you what you want to do at this point, If you got welding skills tube it up bro!!
one you have access to everything, two you'll be able to chose the design of the cage you want to fab.
some people like to make it modular where you can attach your stock bumper to the tube framing and then bolt it all to the frame. In other words you can take the whole front bumper off and have access to everything from Intercooler, radiator, timing belt turbo pipes etc with just taking off few bolts/ nuts.

 

It's a fair amount of work to keep it and fix it. I have repaired one with about the same amount of damage. Cut and welded new hood latch support and support beam post. And basically a new front end. It didn't end up coming out 100% due the frame being slightly bent. But it didn't come out bad. Hit up a junkyard and you can probably get everything you need for about $100(minus the 97 bumper grill and fogs) then you just have to do the work.

 

Hm. I'm gonna have to pay a welder, because I don't know how to do that stuff.
If it's more beneficial, then I'll definitely go tube-type over stock. I'd prefer the simplicity, and accessibility, in the future when I go turbo.