[Spectre04]

About a month ago, a teen turned left in front of me (uninsured, and mom's insurance doesn't extend... Yay) and I subsequently smashed into him at about 35mph. The original estimate cited both frame horns being replaced: once at the body shop, another $3k of damage was found, and now I'm apparently in need of a front crossmember. The labor charge on the update estimate is a whopping 30 minutes, which seems impossible. Is this a bolt-in piece? I haven't been able to crawl under another frontier yet so I have no idea how the crossmember is attached

With a $10k repair on a basically new truck, I'm also now mortified of longevity issues. I don't care about aftermarket headlights and radiators, but the frame damage bugs me. I REALLY don't feel like car shopping again, especially as I'll be losing a few $$ now that carfax will reflect an accident. Anyone on here had frame work done and had any issues?

 

[Frontier4x]

The frame horns are welded on to the frame. These appear to be designed to act together as a crumple zone, due to their corrugated profiles.

I was looking for other parts online and saw some frame horns for sale. It might've been on car-part.com or something.

Anyway, I assume that the body shop will use a cutting disc or a plasma torch to remove your horns and crossmember, then clear away the local paint, and weld on the replacements. 30 minutes seems reasonable.

 

[Spectre04]

Thank you for the reply.
I understand that the frame horns are cut-n-weld, just don't know about the cross-member (I believe part # 51020). Likely the same.

 

[AndysLog]

the cross member only has 4 bolts in it, and 30 minutes with hammering the old one out sounds too long imo.
so about par for a shop.

 

[Spectre04]

I appreciate the information!