I have the typical front radiator support rust/holes. The front motor brace hasn't broken yet but it wouldn't surprise me if it did. I also have rotted front fenders near the rockers (rockers show no signs of rust yet). I would normally just do this myself but with a newborn son and long work hours commute I just don't have time any more. Would you pay $2500 for some one to do the fenders/support.

The positive is my i30 has 146k miles/LSD. The original owner was my mother The interior is in nearly mint shape. The exterior is otherwise is great shape except for some rust on drivers rear quarter( some scuffed the fender in parking lot and took off).
I spent 3500 on repairs/mods last plus another $800 on 2nd set of snow tires/rims. I Redid the whole suspension (struts/strut mounts/strut bearings/tie rods/sway bar links) alternator, AC line, knock sensor, tires, calipers, 4 o2 sensors. I did a couple engine mods 00vi, Catmann Y-pipe, 2.5"'exhaust. Mtgs car runs goods. The only issue left would after this would be a broken power antenna & drivers rust on the driver rear quarter. I am going to atleast drive it one more winter but I am debating on fixing it this fall.

Would you fix it or put the money toward a down payment on a newer car?

 

The car isn't even broken in yet. Fix it and you'll easily get five more years if not more with regular maintenance

 

No, I would not pay that. I'd find a cheaper way to do it i.e. local .org member with experience.

 

well if the car means a lot to you then fix it, but if it doesn't then take the money and put it towards a down payment on a new car. My opinion is fix the radatior core support and keep it.

 

I saw people said they pay several hundred for body shop to replace the radiator support. Does it need $2000 to replace the fenders?

 

Im not understanding where the 2000 comes into play?? i know typical support can be fixed for about 300-500 and new fenders 100 each plus paint....so youre talking 1000 at most id fix it.....my 2000 max had 216k on it when i sold it for 3200 and the girl is still driving it with no repairs since she bought it and now it has around 260 on it...

 

You're getting ripped off at $2500.

My fenders were rusted in the same spot so I purchased them @ $43 a peice + shipping from rockauto.com. If you are well affiliated with a local body shop then order your own fenders then have them do the paniting and installation.

There is another member living in MA who has done multiple radiator support replacements but I cannot remeber his name. Make a post in the Northeastern forum about this lower radiator support you need replaced.

I didn't bother replacing my wrecked power antenna for the 3rd time. Instead I orded a tiny carbon antenna from ebay. It fit fine and gains good reception.

Edit: If you're interested in a small carbon antenna then this is the one I ordered for only $12 total

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_W0QQ...KQ3aMEWAXQ3aIT

 

The 2500 is not a body shop estimate. I thought I read lower supports were 1000-1500 and since I live in the Northeast I was figuring on the higher pricing. I came up with $1000 for front fenders because the list pricing for OEM I30 fender is ~320/fender. Perhaps I can look into aftermarket fenders. I probably will take trip to my local body shop to see what they quote me. If its in the 1000-1500 range, I will just do it.

 

I went to my trusted local body shop and asked for an estimate. He didn't do an exact estimate for me but he didnt recommend doing the repair at his shop. I told him what the list price of parts was and he thought it would be 2500-3000, and if I wanted the rear rust/'dent I would be looking at 4000. He was very familiar with rust issue on these cars. He did some poking around and said my support was still solid and should be fine for atleast another year. He said if I wanted to fix it, he said I might try out Maaco or find a high school body shop. I am kind of leaning towards waiting until after the winter and looking for someone local or perhaps doing it myself.

 

As far as rad support repair it cost me less then $200 to fix
1- $149 stick welder from harbor fraight
2-$30 1/4" x 3"x24" steel plate from home depot
2-$3 14mm stainless steel nuts
Before

After

 

$2500 is a rip.. generally people will pay like up to 600. Like someone else said it shouldnt be more than $1000. If i were you id fix it. I got mine done when i swapped my motor. I drove it until it broke away completely. FIx the support... Keep the car!

 

As was mentioned, 2500 is way too steep. I paid 400 at a local shop and I supplied the support for them. You could do what cjandura did and go the cheaper route but personally I like to have the peace of mind of having a whole brand new unit in there.

 

where the hell are you getting $1000-1500?

the core support is just over $400 from Nissan, or $50-150 on ebay/whatever discount internet site. it's a large part so maybe $75 for shipping.

I personally put a 1x3" thick wall steel bar in place of mine. it's WAY more rigid than the oem stamped steel core support is.