1990 GTS-4 SKYLINE project! Possible damage?

[Anthony_r32]

hey guys im new to this, i am in highschool im only 17 and this is my first project car.I am going to pick up a 1990 gts-4, its completly stock with an rb20. I plan do this as a project car. the guy before me hit a tree with it, all it needs is front end work. im just curious if anyone can tell me what will need to be replaced from the drivers side corner based on what they can see from pictures. i know it will need new battery cables, rad, intercooler pipping and rad hoses. and obviously the fender and what not. but if someone doesnt mind helping me have an idea what im going to have to work on! it would be great

[BRN32]

That's looking real rough. It's going to need new rad support, inner fender, and strut tower plus frame work for the shell. Also looks like the sub frame's wrecked, maybe some of the suspension as well. This is going to be insanely expensive to repair properly. IMHO,if you haven't picked this up already, pass on it!

[cdnleaf]

hey guys im new to this, i am in highschool im only 17 and this is my first project car.I am going to pick up a 1990 gts-4, its completly stock with an rb20. I plan do this as a project car. the guy before me hit a tree with it, all it needs is front end work. im just curious if anyone can tell me what will need to be replaced from the drivers side corner based on what they can see from pictures. i know it will need new battery cables, rad, intercooler pipping and rad hoses. and obviously the fender and what not. but if someone doesnt mind helping me have an idea what im going to have to work on! it would be great

Hit a tree - not just a little tap by the look of the pics. Anthony, you are looking at a minimum of 5k to get this thing going; front end work is kind of understated. The entire drivers side strut tower is pushed down and back <3 inches toward the driver (steel folded between the strut tower and driver) not so good. Kind of like that pic that Matt Rose posted of the rear ended Porsche / litte fold above the right rear fender; I digress. Anyways, there is alot of expensive "what not" behind the fender/right wheel that is undoubtedly fawked. Good luck with the project; hope you are getting this for a really good price.

[Anthony_r32]

I kinda want it as a big project, i am picking it up for a grand, it has 77,000km on it overall. So im thinking ill do it, because i don't want this to be a weekend thing i want to be a good one. other than that damage rest of the car is mint. and i dont plan to make this car road worthy im going to use it just for fun autocrossing.

[Rides]

i think for a grand it's not that bad. If it doesn't go your way, i'm sure you can part most of the stuff out and get your money back.

[cdnleaf]

^^ agree / good find then for 1k. There are always lots of spares that come up on this site and in your area to get it going.

[Oakville]

That's funny! I had a 4 door that hit a tree in the front end as well! 1k is not bad at all, it will take you a lot to get it straight again though. Better solution would be to buy a cheaper gtst (usually find them for 4-6k now) cause in sure with parts and labour you'll crack 4k easy.

[S13Jordie]

just buy a rolling shell. imo its a better option. why start with something that will need so much work and time money and effort when you can get something thats straight and will ultimately cause less headaches down the road?

[cdnleaf]

....i dont plan to make this car road worthy im going to use it just for fun autocrossing.

Unless you plan on trailering it to the event. Autocross, time attack and track days require the car to be road worthy and be insured. Some clubs require a tech inspection signed off by a mechanic; others a self declared inspection which covers all the points to ensure the car is road worthy. This is required for your safety, others around you and the location you run the car at. I thought it was kind of neat - 17 year old, first project car - got a deal for 1k get it going etc. S13Jordie, Oakville and BRN32 all mentioned the real issue(s) - frame is tanked undoubtedly why it is selling for 1k and probably an insurance write off. Battery cables and rad hoses (mentioned above) are the least of your concerns.

[knate]

Part it out then buy a car thats at a better starting point would be best imo

[Anthony_r32]

well, in autocrossing, i will be trailer i have done it for couple years. and i do not need to insure it but also the car has a clean title. and that would be the plan if it becomes to be to expensive i can always part out.

[S13Jordie]

another option is to buy a front clip. drill out all the spot welds on the current one and weld in the new one. Would work but is TME

[BRN32]

If your close to Edmonton, search the for sale section for parts post by TearsInTheRain. He may still have a GTS shell that's been t-boned, back half is toast, but the firewall forward was mint. Might take $50 and be happy it's out of the garage!

[specialedition]

This car is pretty easily fixable fram and body wise but you need the right materials and tools to fix the job, If you dont have a mig welder or the knowledge to make certain metal panels and how to measure the distances it will be a nightmare for you. What i suggest you do it! buy the car its 1k part it out you can easily make your money back but selling the motor and tranny then find another gts-t in the cheap range

[Skym]

I noticed from a similar crash on a R32 chassis that it wasn't straight (maybe it wasn't done correctly?) when chassis was realigned. Welding a second hand front from firewall forward is probably best, easier. Also don't know if it has affected the rest of the structure behind firewall (diagonal ripple effect), popping welds, bending floor panel (thin metal), etc.

Probably have to check on chassis alignment machine (Car-0-Liner or similar) to measure chassis, pull on chassis until is at factory specs -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6nfgSrLftE