Instead of waking up to my alarm this morning at 6am, It was a loud crunch sound followed by a plethera of cuse words coming from outside. I was instantly awake ( I sleep with my window cracked open). I thought that my dad had accidentally ran into the garbage cans at the top of the driveway (Something he has avoided for the 10 years we have lived in our house). But with the cursing that was continuing, I knew it had to be worse. Then I remembered, my sister had parked our van behind the left garage about 40 feet up the driveway. My dad hadn't noticed it when backing up and the Ranger'* bumper went into the grill/headlamp area of the Aerostar.

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But the only mechanical issue I might see is a line that is dented in front of the radiator:

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Issue, or just let it be? Gearheads, etc... whatcha think?

My poor dad, he is under an enormous amount of stress at work, and this is what he dosen't need right now. I feel really bad for him, this was the first and only vehicle my parents have ever bought new and has been in great shape for the amount we have used it. Instead of working on the Gravenge today, the Aerostar is going to get my attention; that is until I have to go to work tonight.

What is damaged from what I have observed:
Headlamp
Headlamp trim bezel
Rear headlamp housing adjuster
Grill
Grill/Headlamp trim bezel bracket
Bumper
Bumper supports

I don't think I'm going to attempt the bumper, or at least by myself. A majority is still intact and the vehicle is drivable once the headlamp is fixed. My sister was planning on leaving to go back to school within the next coupla days, so she needs it driveable.

What I have it down to now:
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Now I'm just waiting for the junkyards to open....

-John

BTW, the Ranger is fine. The tailamp on it is hairline cracked (Not an issue) there is a small dent and the bumper is a little scuffed. Definatly faired a lot better than the van...

You have a good team. Between you, Grandpa, and the wreckers, I think you'll be fine. Even if you have to paint the parts. Go for it, John. And if you make it look fugly when you're done, tell your Dad I tried to talk you out of it.

Yeah, it'* not too bad, but time is of the essence...

Whatcha think about the radiator line?

Start her up, and get to normal temp. Make sure the thermostat has opened. If no leaks, let it go for now. But keep an eye on in it long-term. UNLESS you find a cheap replacement at the wrecker.

k, thanks Bill

Is that a radiator line? Looks like a trans cooler. Or part of the condensor (that'* the AC part that is always in front of the radiator)

I wouldn't be overly worried about it. If it'* not fully blocked and doesn't leak...It looks ok..

John..you've got it under control from the looks of it.

Ouch...the poor Aerostar. I agree though, looks like you have it under control there, buddy. Give me a call later.

Oh my god, how fast was your dad backing up?

But like others said, it'* in the right hands, you'll fix her/him up just fine.

Ok, got everything I wanted at the wrecker. They have 3 Aerostars with perfect front ends there. I think my dad will try and get the bumper/supports/brackets this weekend. I got new turn bulbs and headlamp bulbs as well. I got the Silverstar ULTRA ones , I was just going to get Silverstars but they didn't have any in stock for the Aerostar'* application. Between the fucked up bumper and the mismatched wheels (We have studded snow tires on generic cheapo rims) this is quite the beauty we have now!

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Old OEM style bulbs:
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Silverstar ULTRAS:
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Matt: I'll call you tonight.

Fuel: He was probably going between 15-20mph. He have a rather long driveway