Disaster...(Pics) Need some advice

[BrianW]

Agree with the advice above. Make it watertight and looking tolerable to your standard and go out and enjoy it.

It could be worse. See the van photo I posted last week with the giant tree on it I think the classifieds section!

[86Scotty]

Go on a bender.

You've gotten every other piece of advice.

It will certainly look better mid-bender. That's all I can offer.

[JWA]

Originally Posted by mgmetalworks

Where there's a will, there's a way. I've seen a lot worse come back to life.

Very true---if there's an optimistic view of this it's completely repairable--all it takes is time OR money. In all seriousness though the damage isn't all that severe; the glass is not broken, the C-pillar both side and rear seem unaffected by the crash. The only real damage I see (former body shop owner) is the upper roof rail and fiberglass top.

If there's damage to the back opening it doesn't show in these photos---do the rear doors still open and close somewhat normally?

First steps would be disconnecting the top from the body and removing the entire window unit before pushing the upper rail back into close alignment with the original body lines. If the interior and window were removed where a body shop could quickly push the body back into place it might not be that expensive--you'd want to shop that work around.

Before considering trashing or selling this one let it sit for a while and ponder your choices. Talk to body shops about what they're willing to do, the cost thereof and what you'd have to do before and after their repairs.

If the emotional attachment is truly that important this one can be made reasonably sound and driveable again. Of course it'll never be 100% perfect but to me repairing something I know is dependable and well maintained is well worth the effort and cost as opposed to buying something unknown.

[Eric D]

Originally Posted by JWA

Very true---if there's an optimistic view of this it's completely repairable--all it takes is time OR money. In all seriousness though the damage isn't all that severe; the glass is not broken, the C-pillar both side and rear seem unaffected by the crash. The only real damage I see (former body shop owner) is the upper roof rail and fiberglass top.

If there's damage to the back opening it doesn't show in these photos---do the rear doors still open and close somewhat normally?

First steps would be disconnecting the top from the body and removing the entire window unit before pushing the upper rail back into close alignment with the original body lines. If the interior and window were removed where a body shop could quickly push the body back into place it might not be that expensive--you'd want to shop that work around.

Before considering trashing or selling this one let it sit for a while and ponder your choices. Talk to body shops about what they're willing to do, the cost thereof and what you'd have to do before and after their repairs.

If the emotional attachment is truly that important this one can be made reasonably sound and driveable again. Of course it'll never be 100% perfect but to me repairing something I know is dependable and well maintained is well worth the effort and cost as opposed to buying something unknown.

Thanks for all the great feedback. I am lucky that I have a shop where it can stay inside until I figure out what to do. I did reach out to a few body shops and I found one that will restore it to about 90%. He said I would have to remove all the interior from the van. The rear doors shut fine and seem square. I will keep you all posted how it turns out.
Thanks,
Eric

[JWA]

Hope this works out in your favor---seems too nice a van to just scrap it.

Would definitely love to know what eventually happens.

[REF]

Originally Posted by Eric D

He said I would have to remove all the interior from the van.

I know all about that. Just take care removing all the bolts and hardware and label and baggie everything. Take lots of pictures before and during the process for reference. Hopefully your interior panels and cabs hold up to the removal if they’re made with MDF particle board, often times they end up crumbling. My interior held up fairly well, but other than our travels, the van lived since new in the dry climate here in CO. Good luck!

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

Go on a bender.

It will certainly look better mid-bender.

You're killin' me.......

I would pull it apart and then re-assess....it's just time....and I value my time working on the can at a very low hourly rate....that makes me feel better.


Perhaps you can do some of the easier metal bending and have a body shop do the final tweaks....and you'll learn some new skills repairing fiberglass if you haven't done that before.

[arctictraveller]

I doubt you will have to remove ALL the cabinets. You only need access in the area of the damage. Since your not trying to get a 100% repair, you might get away with just cutting out the back of the affected cabinet without actually removing the whole thing. Seriously, the damage doesn't look that bad. You might also check in with one of those mobile, paintless dent repair guys. If you make it clear your not expecting a perfect repair they may be able to pull it out from the outside only. Someone like this:

https://www.alloutdent.com/gallery

[TraceyAZ]

To nice of a van to do it half way. Remove what needs to be out of the way yourself and take it to mexico for the repairs. Once home with it install your interior and it will all be good again.
Tracey

[campism]

Definitely a bummer but it could be much worse. Here's a famous photo from the Vanagon world, personal vehicle of one of the brand's favorite vendors.