Started taking the old SL apart. Passenger headlamp assembly cracked at the
top alignment screw. Radiator is leaking at the seams. Front bumper and
cover is still in pretty good shape. Hood definitely needs replacing. Still
locks closed on the latch, but started to crumple in the center on one side.
yes, if we are lucky we will find the parts locally. No structural damage
although there is a minor indent in the welded front support near the hood
latch. Total deformation is about 1/4". Not worth replacing. No steering,
engine, or wheel issues. Wish us luck.

The auto transmission cooling lines going into the radiator are a Pain in
the rear to get off. I am soaking tonight in penetrating oil hoping that
will help when I try again tomorrow. I am using a 1/2" flare wrench, but am
afraid to pull too hard since I do not want to round off the compression nut
on the feed tubes.

Bob

"Private" > wrote in message
news:7Bacg.181059$WI1.109162@pd7tw2no...
>
> "Bob Shuman" > wrote in message
> . com...
>> Out of curiosity, was the transmission that developed the leak automatic
>> or manual? I'm guessing auto, but just wanted to verify.
>>
>> Looks like we will be trying to save the old '96. had it towed to our
>> house and looks like I need a radiator, passenger headlamp assembly and
>> new hood. The rest looks like it can be salvaged. Will know more when we
>> get it apart.
>>
>> Thanks for the comments.
>>
>> Bob
>
> Glad to hear that your car is repairable. You can probably find a hood
> from a wrecking yard and if you look hard may even find one the right
> color. When you find the hood you may have also found the headlight and a
> rad.
>
> Since you indicate that the right fender is still usable I am guessing
> that the steering and suspension were not involved. I would caution you
> to be sure that the steering was not involved as it does not take much of
> a hit (or hard curb or pothole) to bend something and result in a car that
> will skin off a few tires and a lot of work and money to get straight.
>
> Good luck, YMMV
>