Need help with header panel (instllation

[rossv1]

Hey everyone. I have been keeping up with the forum but have been overall silent since Carlisle because of school. A week ago someone decided to do a "hit and run" on the front drive corner of my MM damaging my driver side headlight, side marker, front bumper, and header panel. I got the check from insurance and decided to go aftermarket with parts. Ive replace the headlight and side marker already (as I can turn a wrench for something easy like that), but I wanted to know how difficult it would be to replace the header panel? I know I will have to remove the bumper, headlights and side markers to get access to it all, but has anyone installed one on their own car after an accident or am i better off letting a body shop do it. Thanks and I hope all is well for everyone.

[fastblackmerc]

Hey everyone. I have been keeping up with the forum but have been overall silent since Carlisle because of school. A week ago someone decided to do a "hit and run" on the front drive corner of my MM damaging my driver side headlight, side marker, front bumper, and header panel. I got the check from insurance and decided to go aftermarket with parts. Ive replace the headlight and side marker already (as I can turn a wrench for something easy like that), but I wanted to know how difficult it would be to replace the header panel? I know I will have to remove the bumper, headlights and side markers to get access to it all, but has anyone installed one on their own car after an accident or am i better off letting a body shop do it. Thanks and I hope all is well for everyone.

Should be too bad to replace it. Just alot of nuts, bolts and alignment. You might run into to alignment issues with aftermarket non-OEM parts.

[rossv1]

True that was the main concern I had. I only went aftermarket because I have a 750 deductible on my insurance and didn't feel like forking out my own money to pay for someone else's negligence. So I did some research online at different site s and found I could replace each part needed at a fraction of the price and use the remainder on paint. But I think im going to attempt this project this weekend coming up.

[fastblackmerc]

True that was the main concern I had. I only went aftermarket because I have a 750 deductible on my insurance and didn't feel like forking out my own money to pay for someone else's negligence. So I did some research online at different site s and found I could replace each part needed at a fraction of the price and use the remainder on paint. But I think im going to attempt this project this weekend coming up.

Good luck, let us know if you run into any problems.

[Egon Spengler]

All you need is time and a curious mind! I did a header panel on my 89 town car and all I did was start taking off nuts etc until the thing was off and did the same in reverse to put the new one on! I am sure you will be able to figure it out once you get the ball rolling! Goodluck!

[rossv1]

Yeah I dont think this is going to be a tough assignment. Im just trying to save some money with installation labor. The headlight and side marker were very easy installs and I have the tools needed for a project like this, just lacking the knowledge. But like you said all I need i a little curiosity and a good eye. Thanks for the help you guys.

[Egon Spengler]

Yeah I dont think this is going to be a tough assignment. Im just trying to save some money with installation labor. The headlight and side marker were very easy installs and I have the tools needed for a project like this, just lacking the knowledge. But like you said all I need i a little curiosity and a good eye. Thanks for the help you guys.
Just keep track of all your nuts and bolts by marking them or taking pictures! Trust me, it helps greatly!