I'll start up an album somewhere. You pervs.

Actually I appreciate it. I will need some advice once I figure out how to get the bumper and crossbar off, those bolts are on there pretty tight. Once I get a better look at the radiator damage and how far the fan was pushed back into everything else I'm hoping for some better opinions on the parts I'd need to get it running again. I figure I'll tackle all that before I go to the salvage yard.

Dodgevity, your headlight was amazing and amazingly packed! You do not mess around!

 

Those bumper bolts are pretty tough the first time and I don't have rust...can't imagine how hard it will be for you. I applied lots of grease on the threads the first time I got them off. Used a 1/2" ratchet with a pipe on it. Also helps to have ratcheting monkey wrench. Start spraying the bolts with PB blaster a few days before you start. I believe it was 8 bolts in all, four per side. Two up top and two from underneath. Also, it may have stress on it from the bend, so you may need to cut it in half with an angle grinder or something.

 

Ok off to the races guys! So far, 0 bumper bolts off, I think I have identified them all, but need some better WD-40 type agent to spray on and soak I think plus some better leverage - Will invest in a hollow PVC to slip over my sockets to get leverage and work on it more in the coming days.

Got the top bar off, left the cable connected per a radiator replacement video I found on YouTube that I'll use as a guide. One thing -- The rubber pieces for weather protection I assume are on with some sort of plastic push pin things, any tips to getting them out without destroying them, flathead screwdriver I assume? If they break, I assume replacements are cheaply found and can be re-used. Missing some of the weather molding I can see, will add to my "pull list" at the yard.

My plan is to get as much apart as I can to identify what I need to buy new to fix (likely radiator, tubing, condenser) and get it running. Sadly, it looks like even with the top bar off I'm really going to need to find a way to muscle that bumper off before I can take more pics to show you inside and we can see what I'll need to order to get 'er started up and purring again.

 

Don't use PVC as a lever, it will shatter, and the results to you are unpleasant. Use an iron or steel pipe.

PB Blaster is my favorite penetrant. Works great. (I buy it by the gallon......)

If they are the type that has the center pin, yeah, a pointy object to get the center pin up, and the whole thing just pulls out. If they are the plastic 'christmas tree' type fellers, it's hard to get show out without trashing them, but, they are cheap, so, replacement is the solution.

 

Kroil. Spray them with it and go to lunch. The bolts will be on the ground when you get back.

 

Kroil, this stuff looks awesome! Must find this weekend. Thanks guys! We will get this bumper off yet then can send you some pics of the radiator, fan, etc!

 

Kroil is what we use at work. It's not always easy to find though. PB Industries B'Laster penetrant is nearly as good and available just about everywhere.

 

HEHEHE .... had myself a good chuckle when I read that.

 

That's what my grandpap would always tell me about that stuff.

 

Inside looking toward front, where radiator pushed into fan.

Removed condenser

The plastic pieces below the fan laying inside.

straight across view from passenger side, does the works behind the reservoir look bent upward to you? Bad?
Alright, progress on dismantling! Bumper is off, condensor was barely hanging on as well, removed it easily. Still have a stubborn nut on the right side (facing the hood, drivers side) before I think I can remove the reservoir and fan shield to better get at the radiator.

All that said I did get down in there and pulled out a ton of shredded black plastic pieces which I assume were some sort of cover for the fan. The fan itself is completely messed up, from the radiator being pushed into it, which in turn looks to possibly even have turned the engine off kilter a bit, there's also a heavy round disc in there just laying inside connected to something (fan motor I assume) and there's a belt twisted. Oh and the plastic piece that it looks like holds the radiator and connects to the fan shield/washer reservoir is snapped of course.

Which again leads me to the question on if this novice repair guy has the skills or if it is even WORTH it to continue. I want to fix it so please say yes, that said if I am now in for even MORE $ for parts for fan, fan motor, compressor, radiator, tubing....not to mention the bumper

More photos are attached, if the mods don't like all the photos I'm happy to remove and can set up a library somewhere. If you want any angles to see better let me know, I am hoping to get that nut removed from the shield and a better look at the radiator soon, the goal was to get all the bad parts stripped off to see what I need to replace. I'm just worried it's more than I want to spend now that I see what happened to the fan.