Buying Salvage Cars for Rebuild: Unibody Structure & Frame Damage Explained

Here I discuss front and rear end collision damage. Any questions or comments please let me know below!

[@shrishanmugham9350]

Precise, to the point lessons! Not a minute wasted, not overexplained. Thank you, great teacher!

[@a914freak]

That vent is not to let moisture out, they are called air extractors and are necessary because vehicle cabins today are practically sealed air tight to prevent exterior noises from entering the passenger cabin and lowering the perceived quality of the vehicle. Since the cabins are sealed, any air source can build up pressure in the vehicle cabin when the windows are closed. This can either be caused by the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system or by the door or trunk closure event. Hope this helps.

[@ProyectoInnovador-hy6dw]

Excellent Video! Excuse me for chiming in, I would love your opinion. Have you researched - Trentvorty Safe Vehicle Theorem (Sure I saw it on Google)? It is a smashing one off guide for discovering how to repair your car the simple way without the normal expense. Ive heard some super things about it and my mate at very last got excellent success with it.

[@erikloredo4424]

I really appreciate this style of videos. Very informative. A way better style than the clickbait vloggers. Keep it up!

[@kingcory21]

This is what I need, I like watching the transformations and the work get done but I know there is so much more. I would love to get a project car and this ground level information is awesome. Hopefully on the getting it done there is more information on that too such as bag up your fasteners and label thing which is almost never shown.

[@cuttingedgecool7235]

This is an excellent educational video!

[@jonathonyoung8545]

Dude, this video has helped me out a million. Thank you

[@keeganlee98]

Your information is great! You certainly deserve more subscribers. I just found your channel today. Myself, I like rebuilding cars. I have bought 1 car off Copart so far. Keep up the great work. I like the tear down videos and the informational videos about Copart. I hope to see a lot more content from you! :)

[@AnomalousOne1401]

Thank you for this video. It's one of the best, most basic and informative primers on the differences between full frame and unibody vehicles that I have seen. You have done a marvelous job in explaining the differences.

[@natashamichalek812]

Frame is very rusty

[@natashamichalek812]

MY CAR NEEDS A FRAME

[@carltonsmith1059]

Excellent information and communication style without a lot of wasted words and digression.

[@coleBlap]

Dude, these videos are teaching me a ton, I really appreciate these videos!

[@Woodscraps-lr5vz]

Hell, I was looking for exactly this kind of video. And Samcrac already made it. Nice.

[@soupdancer17]

One of your best videos so far!!!

[@JohnStAmand-xh6rw]

Great explanations at beginners level....well done!!

[@rob.baudemus3707]

You the best I learn a lot from your videos kuddos to you!!

[@420newworld]

Peace Peace Peace, Your an Effn GURU. Live stream is a great idea. Thank you for answering my questions on all video I've seen. Keep putting out great products. Peace

[@XJbird316X]

Great video, relevant information even in 2019!

[@theSilvioRoesler]

Thanks Samcrac for this very educational video - I learnt a lot!

[@umargmail9820]

Very technical info. Thanks Sam

[@kensendelofski3761]

very informative for a beginner like me. hope to see more videos. Thanks.

[@mercedesbenzs600bash]

Great great information,much appreciated...

[@jackjones9242]

Sam thanks for another good video.

[@jkkozzy]

Hi Sam, I wanted to ask if you ever remember replacing the subframe ( the tick black panel under the car carrying the front suspensions) of your Fiester. Can it be affected in a collision? I look forward to hear from you on this. Thanks

[@hakimlane1763]

Thanks for the info I've had a salvaged rebuilt title for five years and been with structure issues I finally understand what the he'll is wrong with my car thanks.

[@oceantrolls7332]

Brilliant job man. Thank you!

[@madern7]

good video man! I realised I watch to much KZbin since I already knew everything you are taking about. but new people to the salvage game can really learn from this.

[@tommygoodwin9656]

Madern and

[@Norrr3]

Awesome grade vid! Just bought a crashed is350

[@mcurtis7]

Great info man!

[@drewthomas6224]

I just recently damaged the back left frame rail of my BMW F80 M3 and there is a repareable bend. I appreciate the depth of knowledge this video provides. I had no knowledge of this type of bodywork as this is a first time experience for me. Thank you for your video, Sam!

[@mericanraised5356]

Did you get it fixed!? And how much if you did

[@drewthomas6224]

@@mericanraised5356 State Farm paid out over $41,000 to fix my M3, thank god… She is in paint now and will most likely be retuned this week. Been out since the 20th of September so almost 2 months. Drive safe out there.

[@mericanraised5356]

That is outrageous lol I had a side collision in my Subaru 2005 wrx and it bent the a pillar and b pillar a little. How much you think to just pull that out!? And I’m going replace all the doors and body panels my self. Hopefully that should save on cost

[@drewthomas6224]

@@mericanraised5356 Frame Damage is expensive and can be hard to do yourself. I had good insurance and my car was worth a bunch of money still. The total repair was less than the total claims threshold for my insurance so that’s why they paid. It’s so expensive because of BMW recertification and other “special” things like a new exhaust coating $7,000. For your Subaru, you can look at quotes for just the frame. Look around for a frame shops that has worked with your car before. I sent mine to a mechanic who fixes F80 M3’s specifically and had good history with successful repair. I had a serious accident and bent the shit out of the back left frame rail behind the tire. My damage was definitely severe

[@tomhoganstarwind27]

Thank you. This really helped me understand what the complexity will be to repair my bent SUV Unibody frame and what the options are to repair it. I am trying to understand whether to cut out / weld in the 1 foot bent section or pay to have it "straightened". Chevy Trailblazer. If anybody has advice I would love to hear it. It is 2005 model. Nothing about the functionality of the car was damaged. It still drives. I know alignment will never be perfect I just need to drive 5 miles to home depot.

[@sage410.....]

This is exactly what I was searching for You broke it down Bro

[@RoseCityHustler]

great video. you are a great teacher. thanks for the video

[@dannybriggs127]

Good info! Thanks!

[@gamyp843]

Thank you so much for your informative video

[@kensendlosky7438]

Very informative, thanks for the video

[@user-hp9yl8rx2c]

This video helps too much thanks a lot

[@jeffmurray1168]

Hey great video, my son was in a collision and has some denting in the passenger side rocker area, was wondering if you thought this would result in the vehicle being deemed a salvage? Thanks!

[@NIGHTEHAWK1]

Samcrac, question for you, have you ever bought a vehicle with deployed dash airbags? If so, do you or have you replaced the dash entirely? Or do you fix it a special way?

[@-Kr1s-]

Sam love your channel. I have a question which i find strange on the salvage listings and that's when it's reads estimate repair cost $27k and est. value $38k with damage ratio at 69%. How true is it that repair will cost 27k? It won't make sense if that's the case right?

[@keepitsimple1056]

Hey man love your videos love your channel I have a serous question regarding buying a flooded car , I plan to do a full custom drive train (ev conversion ) where I will not require nothing but the frame and the body panels . Thanks .

[@jlopez9715]

thank you!

[@Jesusmysavior234]

Great video.

[@munafeneakten6984]

nicwe video mate .very informative .

[@michaelmarcus509]

Awesome video

[@BrianSmith-lo3mj]

This was a very informative video, because I'm used to working with body on frame vehicles like trucks. It seems like you mostly work on Unibody cars with no frames which is harder to repair.

[@Samcrac]

+Brian Smith correct

[@AutoMotivate]

This is what I am talking about, great job!

[@Samcrac]

I've got another few ones coming up in a few days.

[@AutoMotivate]

Samcrac that will be awesome, great job

[@treborhi]

are the strut towers part of the frame rails? My son hit a curb with his 2004 Buick Rendezvous. Hit it hard enough to break the steering knuckle and kink lower control arm. We replaced both and had 4-wheel alignment. Everything in spec except the caster on wheel that hit curb. Car still drives squirrelly as hell. Wondering if frame rail is tweaked. Figure strut mount attached to strut tower (which is part of frame rail?) and control arm attached to subframe which in turn is attached to frame rail. Never gave much thought to unibody, frame rails, sub-frames, etc. Your video helped...Thanks

[@chumadoshi6987]

NEW SUB. WHY ?, HUMBLE GUY, LV THIS DUDE😀😀

[@eliwol3789]

Well done!

[@thefilmguy]

I've been looking at a 2011 Toyota Rav4 at my local Copart yard to possibly bid on it was in a front end collision twice according to Carfax the hood looks fine from the photos, the front crashed bar has a V shaped bend in it and the black frame extensions are probably tweaked too. I wonder if the accident tweaked the actual frame rails too. Definitely have to go look at it. The AC condenser is toast as well. It's a Run and Drive with a clean title and the interior is nice, we'll see.

[@nononsenseBennett]

Hey Sam. Could you do a piece on panel bonding using 3M adhesive as this seems to be a trend these days. Thanks

[@MsBabygurl4646]

Thank you for sharing this video , I was in a Accident this month, a lady T-boned me in the parking lot while I was trying to park my car, Iam waiting on my car to be fixed so while waiting on my car I was just wondering if it will ever be safe again after it is fixed. So thank you for helping me understand the rebuilds.

[@lamujermaslinda]

did it get fixed?

[@c182SkylaneRG]

Welp. Based on this video (Which WAS hugely informative), pretty sure my car's totalled, even though the alignment's still okay (drives straight when you take your hands off the wheel). My wife got rear-ended by a taxi at a stoplight the other day. Crunched in the trunk, pushed the bumper cover up next to the rear wheel (but not touching), so I was hoping it might have missed the frame. Then I was told it's unibody..... So much for that. Makes me want to mount something on the back that's completely separate from the car, can absorb the impact, but ensures any and all damage is suffered by the perpetrator of a rear-end collision, and not by the victim... The taxi was using a Jeep, and there didn't appear to be nearly as much damage to his Jeep as there was to our Corolla. Worst part is the Corolla was an '07 with nearly zero rust (unusual for New England), and I was hoping it would last for the next 15-20 years. Bought it used just a couple years ago. And I can guarantee the insurance will only pay for a replacement up to their perceived value of the car, and not for an actual new car, so we come off worse out of the deal for having been rear-ended.

[@joshmartin8856]

That's insurance for you. You get rear-ended twice.

[@c182SkylaneRG]

@@joshmartin8856 National Indemnity Insurance Company was the one used by the Taxi, and I was right: they totally ripped us off for the car, but my wife was on my ass about settling and getting the money for a replacement, so I wasn't able to fight them (not that I could have fought them outside of a courtroom, anyway, and the one "free legal advice" form I filled out merely replied "decline to comment", so...). I'm still bitter, and it's apparently been two years.

[@winstonallthingselectrical837]

How much did the frame rail repair job set you back?

[@davidk033]

Very helpful

[@southbayla3137]

I recently bumped into a car going about 5 mph . I was wondering what happens if you do many small bumps will that affect the cars frame or is it only in a severe accident ?

[@normanbutler1967]

thanks Sam

[@MrOldeastdallas]

How much does something like this cost? I have to get mine straighten, it looks like it's only the left rail. The rail it's slightly bent.

[@NiteRythemzRadio]

watching with a slow signal, is there a special link for after market front clips, etc that u can share? Anybody, thnks.

[@jasonlayman8817]

Good info

[@stephenmckee6439]

Can you show how the unibody comes apart piece by piece so a person can save a particular car that has sentimental value

[@stephananthony3011]

Hey! I have a question regarding frame rails. I have a 2006 TSX and the drivers side frame tail is bent right before motor mount. The frame rail is still able to bolt into the crash bar but it makes my hood sit weird due to the way the lower part of my car sits in that side. The frame rail is pushed inside Around 2 inches. Would you consider this repairable?

[@djamalraoual2415]

Hey man, I need your help if you can reply to me. I have a very nice Land Rover Discovery 4 that my Dad crashed, causing significant right fender frame and crash support frame damage. It has since been pulled out and fixed, and looks aesthetically good. I was wondering if you think I should replace the rails that were damaged and repaired in future, I'm thinking safety is compromised since the frame was pulled out. Please contact me if you have any advice.

[@oviss5946]

Very good

[@Liofa73]

Surely the plastic deformation and subsequent cold working of the frame rails in the accident, coupled with the frame straightening cold working is going to have an effect on the overall hardness of the frame rail in the area of the damage. Meaning in a new accident those areas will be susceptible to cracking on impact.

[@shawnr2161]

100% correct which is why replace over repair is the only accessible thing here

[@4mary20]

How much does frame alignment usually cost?

[@JakeMaxxx]

If I have positive camber on he front left and I replaced everything that would cause it would that be Be frame

[@JakeMaxxx]

If I have positive camber on the front left and I replaced everything would that be frame damage that’s causing that

[@hossiluc]

good video

[@its_whack]

are you able to replace one rail of a frame without taking the whole car apart or is that just a must?

[@kangarooacid]

How big and where at do dents in the pillars be to be considered frame damage? Any size dent??

[@stephenmckee6439]

I have a 1996 Ford Taurus and I need to replace the trunk section and the back quarter panels

[@jandroali4987]

Hey I have a Chrysler 300 srt8 2007 totaled do you mind checking it out in pictures and tell me if it's worth fixing ?

[@WealthEdgeTV]

Can you recommend any body work companies in Georgia? or Florida?

[@gianniantonelli3460]

how about if the car is a midengine and the front is trashed? can you make a video about That? please

[@isrargulzar5069]

Brought audi a4 it has rear end damage driver side... Put the rear axle in but the rear driver wheel is still bent. Been told that it needs jiggin out... Question is will it jig out or will it need replacing with chassis peice...

[@jiceli5713]

Hi.Useful video. I have similar damage with bend frame rails like your fiesta after been hit by other car"s wheel. Do you say they are fixable? I am not sure if I should fix it or scrap. insurance pays for both my decisions. I feel sentimental for my car...i could fix it and repaint it. I just want to be sure it will 100% straight and sound. or should I get cash from the insurance?both choices give me around 5000 usd to fix or sell it as is by the insurance

[@zeinabdhaini102]

it's interesting video which brought me to many questions. The frame structure BIW is made of stamping parts, due to stamping process changes in the material mechanical properties will happen, now during the crash we will have high speed deformation process will accrue within 80ms, this will damage the crystal structure of the metal. the material is already too weak, if we deformed back to the original stamped position we will be adding more crack to the metal crystal structure and the frame will be not more able to absorb same amount of impact energy like before. Beside this if parts need to be welded, the welding adds weaknesses to the already weakened metal due to heat affected zone. we estimate that reduction of the material properties can do down to 70%. Did we have these consideration during repair process? Thank you for the interesting videos and the way how you share these information with us.

[@violent_bebop9687]

Ok, I'm convinced collision repairs are greatly compromised

[@josecustodio3057]

Do you personally repair the structure or take your cars to a shop?

[@josecustodio3057]

DO you fix the structure or take it to a shop?

[@MrMuffanga]

Theres a lot of Grey area that is not explained. After a certain point on something like your frame rails even if its minor damage is now a weaken structure that is very important. However like for the example on his car where the frame rails were only bent towards the front where the Bumper reinforcement bolts to can be repaired only because it serves lower impact crashes. its further along the frame rail that is important for the big accidents. Quarter panels are mostly structure. while seeing a buckle can be okay. thats still a sign that something has shifted, but like he has stated can be repaired when the major part of the damage is pulled and cut out and replaced followed with the minor damage being filled with Filler.

[@robloxperalta9646]

Hi I'm looking into buying a car I always wanted bmw 335i it has driver airbag deployed and passenger side curtains deployed windshield and bumper are bad but says online it has frame damage, do you thinking this would be an easy fix ? I want the car for my personal use

[@lilfrybread8884]

Where is the best place to buy unibody frame parts? Mostly in the trunk area?👀 Mine was hit from behind and looked like a frame? Was crushed like a can. Maybe a supporter? Must look at it again. But asking where is it best to buy parts?

[@denirachdian4608]

Hi, my corolla 2005 been in accident before, front left side bent, and now you can't align the wheel, can that be fixed?

[@salembaqais66]

Thanks ....

[@DMoneyzVideos]

I have a 2017 Chevy Cruze LT with 70k miles. It was totaled due to backing into a tree, truck in smashed in in the dead center, did not damage gas tank or exhaust. It broke out back window, dented the spare tire in the truck and both rear quarter panels, doors close and seal fine. Do you think it’s worth buying back from insurance for $2800? It drives great just completely smashed in rear, maybe I could sell as is for more if so? What’s your suggestions?

[@EdgewithHedge]

Which one is long lasting and easy to repair? Body on frame or Unibody?

[@goolgappa5884]

What is the best and most modren equipment for structural machinery.. I just want to put my car and then machine should do every thing .. And is there any training school for that...

[@Jeelaski]

whats the name of the front wing frame structure as Highlighted in blue on the picture ? mine is completly crushed and I dont know what to search

[@stephenmckee6439]

I need to replace the back frame rails. My passenger side bumper Mount is pointing at the sky and the driver side bumper Mount is pointing at the ground

[@Scottdulrich]

You're the man :D

[@DjXXS3RL]

If a cars carfax says total loss but the damage doesn’t look to bad is it still fixable ?

[@lazarlazar6657]

Recomended today xD

[@jaybelle1909]

Nice video but as always no one ever tells how much the repairs cost so that leaves ppl with the idea that frame straitening and repair is never worth it and everyone should stay away from even a hint of minor frame damage. More than likely 99% of shops will over charge for the service just like Gerber and the like.

[@captainobvious5993]

Have you bought cars from copart if so what's the average price you have paid for a salvage titled car?

[@tashaannemarie2556]

My boyfriend bought a $200 civic. Minor collision impacted the front left fender. But the owner left it untended. So a minor dent turned into rust. He actually had to convert the rust back into steel as well as do minor welding. In the end, despite disuse causing a lot of mechanical problems, he said he was certain it was worth it because the frame was in decent shape, and everything else could be hot swapped or machined. First time a guy ever bought me a car. Though he’d never worked on a car before. So it was an interesting first for both of us.

[@jackfrazer576]

dude you need to see some of the car repairs in russia, i saw a daewoo and it was totally destroyed like all the way past the firewall and they fixed it like new.

[@Samcrac]

Really? I can't believe they fixed a Daewoo!!!

[@renerenteria1]

look Arthur Tussik, he si really good

[@edlingja1]

Pure experience man... I wish people in Canada were willing to just go for the basic scrub & repair. Shops won't touch many cars just because they are a pain in the ass, why not do it once, make a plan and say yeah it costs this much to do this specific package?

[@isaurobanuelos499]

I mean obviously. Who's gonna pay for that in the USA? A simple fender bender is 5000

[@ryanclark457]

Isauro Banuelos exactly, usually it's cheaper just to get a new car entirely

[@denisiregar6132]

How much it will cost

[@gimullins2]

Do you have this in a slide show?? If so would you send it to me?

[@ptsullivan13]

Mario is the man!

[@Mirro.555]

After being hit from behind center when gaps around the tailgate door, rear lights and a spoiler have increased in 1-2 millimeters, is it possible that unibody is bent? It's a hatchback Subaru XV/Impreza.

[@rastabroskah4657]

Yeah my chrysler 300 just got a damaged bumper but also apparently frame damage. Trunk still operates with no dents as well as taillights and all electrical systems and transmission (RWD)