[wabaki]

This is my 2001 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4D as of today. So i had a little accident, wont get into what happened. I went to get an estimate and was told it would be about 2,500 for the shop to do the repair. I was thinking i could just get a new radiator, a/c condenser, passenger headlight, radiator support, bend the hood back so it atleast works, and get the other metal supports that the black radiator support connects to. What will i be getting my self into? is the a/c condenser something you don't do at home easily? I see that its hard lined and would have to be un-charged then recharged. I basically smashed into the corner of an SUV's bumper, and it bent back my hood, a/c condenser and radiator, with no damage to the engine really. I really just want to do the minimum to get it back on the road, because i need the transportation. I had to drive it back to my house 20-25mins with no coolant, and its about 35 degrees out, so i hope the block is ok... It's that, or buy a new car, because to me the 2,035 kbb value of the car isnt worth the 2500 repair. What do you guys think? thanks for the help, it is really, really appreciated.

 

[ChrisQ05GT]

Look for everything you need on ebay, there are plenty of people that have A LOT of these cars and you can get all the parts used. You are going to have to replace the hood. Even if you get all diff color parts, it's better than paying for new/ or new aftermarkt parts. If you take your time, you may be able to find silver.

 

[wabaki]

alright thanks man. Oh, and with the a/c condenser, anything i should look out for or do when removing it? is it possible for me to put a new one on or should i not bother?

 

[ChrisQ05GT]

You will probably need a new one. It's going to be difficult to remove a damaged one, and I'm not sure if the rad support will need to be replaces as well. YOu really need to remove all the damaged parts and look to see exactly what you need. I found a few parts on ebay for you.

A/C condenser
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/01-02-03-04-05-06-ELANTRA-AC-CONDENSER-2-0L-4-CYL-/330467610886?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2001%7CModel%3AElantra&hash=item4cf1679106

Radiator
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lifetime-Warranty-Radiator-01-Elantra-2-0-Manual-GT-5Dr-/300505170275?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2001%7CModel%3AElantra&hash=item45f7810163

Silver Hood
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/01-02-03-ELANTRA-HOOD-/150518179253?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2001%7CModel%3AElantra&hash=item230b9525b5

Silver Bumper
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/01-02-03-ELANTRA-FRONT-BUMPER-ASSY-/150518150826?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2001%7CModel%3AElantra&hash=item230b94b6aa

Headlights
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2001-2002-2003-Hyundai-Elantra-Headlight-Headlamp-PAIR-/280475794373?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2001%7CModel%3AElantra&hash=item414da8fbc5


Hope that helps. You may need other items, that you can find on ebay such as the grill, bumper foam, support, and so on. Just browse.

 

[ricerrx7]

You drove 25 minutes without coolant? No point in fixing the body, the engine is most likely toast.

 

[Aintnonerd]

You drove 25 minutes without coolant? No point in fixing the body, the engine is most likely toast.

I totally agree, my last car went through driving with no coolant, never ran right again after that. I then traded it and bought the XD2. I would just collect the money and put it towards a down payment on something new, or at least buy something not wrecked to get you by. Putting in all that time and money would not be worth it.

 

[danielelee]

Go to junk yards and you can buy most of body parts (no shipping charges!), but you must buy new radiator and A/C condenser at a local auto parts store. You cannot trust used ones. New after-market parts are not so much expensive. Don't waste money for 10 year-old car. If you absolutely have to drive a short distance, turn on the heater at maximum to prevent engine damage. The radiator and A/C condenser are bolted together on the center side and it is very difficult to remove because there is not enough space to maneuver wrenches. Your ones are damaged, so just cut it off with a metal saw.

 

[wabaki]

Thanks Again man, links are excellent! Is there a way to tell if the engine got damaged from no coolant?? That's disappointing if it is

 

[Gman]

if there is one close check out www.picknpull.com , they are super cheap cause u have to pull the parts yourself. Check out www.car-part.com to check other junk yards in your area.

 

[ricerrx7]

If you absolutely have to drive a short distance, turn on the heater at maximum to prevent engine damage.

That won't work since there's NO COOLANT in the system!
wabaki, see if it still starts. Try a compression test. Cross your fingers.

 

[ChrisQ05GT]

There are engines on ebay too for about $800 shipped. lol But at that point I'd suggest finding a new car.

 

[danielelee]

Start the engine and run a few minutes and check the engine temperature. It won't hurt. In a cold region in winter it takes ten minutes to reach normal engine temperature.

 

[wabaki]

It still starts, thanks guys. Going to bang the hood till it fits, and going to try to find parts on ebay and what not to make it work for the least ammount of money. Thank you so much for the replies, i really appreciate it.

 

[fang_x]

you dont need the ac compressor to run your car, if you can live without airco that is.

get the essentials fixed such as the radiator, top it up then at least it will be drivable

 

[wabaki]

Thanks again guys. GOt a radiator off ebay, just waiting for time to put it in. Does anyone know if i should back fill the cooling system with coolant? because when i start the car the thermostat will be closed, but there will be no fluid on the other side around the cylinders. Or should i just fill it up and let it do its thing? thanks!