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Auto body repair & detailing/bowed front car hood 97 camry

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Expert: William Forster - 3/28/2007


Question
My daughter ran into a trailer hitch of a 4X4 today, broke headlight and  bowed the car hood of her 97 Camry.  Can I fix this myself?  I seem to remember using a  2 X 4 propped on the ground, under the front of the hood and pounding the center of the hood with my fist.  
Or should I let the pros handle this entirely?
Your thoughts?"


Answer
Toyotas are incredibly flimsy, I suspect that the radiator support is also bent if the hood is bowed. Try putting a headlamp in, maybe you can find  a hood at a junk yard that is the same color. If the hood won't align to the striker, or the bolts won't go in on the lamp, you need professional help to pull the support. Bill

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William Forster

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22 year veteran, 2 years of vocational training. A.S.E. certified Master collision repair/refinish technician. I-CAR certified. 17 yrs. GM experience. I can answer most questions related to automotive body repairs, ranging from small scratch repairs all the way up to the most extensive collision repairs. I can expertly advise people on what to expect from their body shop experience, right down to what self repairs should, and should not, be done. Lastly, I can advise tricks and tips for classic car restoration, such as lead repairs. SORRY, I DO NOT DO ONLINE ESTIMATES OR GIVE PARTS PRICES!! BE PREPARED FOR THE CORRECT ANSWER- NOT THE ONE YOU WANT TO HEAR. I won't B.S. you, or sugar coat answers. Just plain, hard facts.

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