On monday I went to a shop to replace my belts, install new alternator and to get an oil change. Well I noticed when we took the underbody plastic covers on the passenger side that in the front of the RADIATOR CORE support the Bottem piece that holds the radiator and this bottem piece has that black bar that runs in the front middle of the car. My question is how important is it to get this fixed? I have gone to about 8 autobody people and they dont even want to bother with it.. I know that a welded steal piece will hold it if welded on the endes of the bottem piece. Another guy told me that it might not even work to weld a steal plate to it. Can anyone help me?

 

yes, it is very important, it helps hold the engine mounts in place and could cause serious damage if it broke. My 1997 had the same problem and i had a friend weld it together and reinforce it for about 250 dollars. Another option would be to get a new radiator mount but im sure thats big bucks. Good luck and i hope you find someone who will fix it for cheap money. Let me now how you make out.

 

Yup mine is rusted too, seems to be an issue with our cars.

 

im very scared to keep driving it around. Tommorrow after work im schedualed with an autobody for them to take a look at it. I have the picture on a camera phone I dont know how I can upload it or just send it to myself So i can post the image. Its pretty bad because I was pushing around it and it was pretty weak. I went to EAST COAST nissan in NJ, They told me the part number and what piece it is. Its the lower part of the Radiator support, they want about 200 for it, and I really dont want anyone removing the front end of my car to repair it. The stillen lip is glued on the bottem ends of the fenders, I would hate to see it come off and someone try to put it back on. I rather they weld it. And one last question is it realiable to weld it? Will it last or will the rest of the piece just rust within time? I'll just tell them to spray it with something as a finishing protective coat so nothing will rust anymore.

 

Mine is rusted too but it still feels pretty solid. Would you please provide the part number. I know my tranny cooler lines were both rusted just as they entire and leave the radiator and one even began leaking so I bypassed it. So watch out for that too!

 

mine was BAD, and i had a new beam welded in and i had them spray a protective layer all around the frame of the car to prevent any other rust from occuring. The front is very solid now and i haven't had any problems.

 

the part number is 62530M. Im going back to the autobody in 10 min to see what they say. Cross your finger and hopefully they can fix it up for me..

 

Hey SMX95, How did the repair go? Did you change the entire part or just reinforce? How much did the job cost?

 

When I changed the radiator hoses, I noticed the same issue. Mine is rusted but still looks solid. To all, could you give some indication as to the repair bills for the mechanics (or # of beers to friends with talent!) Thanks!

 

If you know TOM from the org, he was asking around 600 to put in the new piece and my rear engine mount. I havent gotten a chance to get around to anything because tom has been pretty busy. I start lincoln tech tomorrow So I guess ill go to him on friday. Listen Ill take pics of the bar, I might just keep it, Tom said that it doesnt need to be replaced and that he will just sand down the rust and spray on some anti rust thing and install my engine mount for like $200 bucks. I paid $189 for the whole lower radiator support frame, if I decide not to install it (which will probably be the case) Ill just sell it to an org memeber. Its just sitting in my trunk taking up space.

 

I had a autobody shop look at mine today. Turns out there is more rust than I initially thought probably already compromising one of the crossmember bolts. The shop quoted me $400 including parts (lower tie bar) and labor. I think that to be reasonable and so I have an appointment with them in 2 weeks. They are going to remove the bumper but try to support the radiator and top frame thereby saving time/work. These guys have done spectacular work in the past rebuilding my entire front end after a collision so I trust their expertise. I would not let every autobody shop pull down the crossmember!!
So after this I shall have piece of mind.