I removed the front bumper today from my 98 SSEi, doesn't look good. Appears I might end up junking it after I remove the engine, your thoughts?

Pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/15111335@N07/

All I gotta say is there is alot of damage to the actual skeleton of the car. I am not sure how one goes about repairing such damage while maintaining the structural integrity of the car/frame itself. Personally? And, I have been through this before with my other bonneville, red 93 SSEi, it got hit on the side doing not as much damage as that, however, extensive in the terms of labour intensive repairs needed. I took some peices off, got my 6500 dollars for it from insurance and bought my 97. Wasn't easy to do. I still miss that car.

That was a sweet Bonnie. my heart dropped when I saw your other pics. Is there any way to repair her?

I assume I would have to cut the framework off that'* bent, then weld a new front frame on. I think I may have found an IDENTICAL car, right down to the white with the tan leather interior, locally, except it'* a 96. Any differences between the 96 and 98?

I beleave the trans was different (4T60)

Peter is correct, the 96 has a vacuum line to the TB and 97 and later do not have this vacuum line because it is now electrically operated. Everything else as far as body parts, bolts, holes and materials should be identical from 96-99. The only real changes are the trans and some other small mechanical things that won't pose a problem to you.

I was very worried you might keep the damaged car. I understand some people here have recovered a couple wrecked Bonnevilles. But from your story and now these pictures, regardless of how nice your car was, you have made the best decision in replacing your car. Nice find, too!

I think I worked the deal out today, picking it up Wednesday. Then I'm going to start parting out the 98. Will the 98'* CD stereo work in the 96, which has a cassette player in it?

Yeah, it can be repaired, but it wouldn't be cost-effective to do so, too damn much bent up in the structure. Scrap the chassis and strip it of everything usable for the next Bonnie you come across.

Exactly what I'm going t odo. i picked up that identical 96 yesterday. Needs a LF wheel bearing, other than that EVERYTHING works. I think I am going to start parting the other one out.