Many thanks to all who responded to my previous posting about my daughter's accident.

Now I've seen the damage done to the vehicle, the insurance co. considers it a total loss, and I need to decide what to do. (photos of the damage are at http://207.127.210.8/cgrammer/volvo/ )

Details: 1990 240 sedan, 136500 mi, almost no rust.

It appears to my body shop guy that it needs a new radiator / core support, new hood, and new fender, along with various lights. He does not recommend repairing it, of course at his rates it would cost more than $3,000.

Thing is, the brakes are all new (including calipers), new exhaust (1 week before the accident), body is in great shape other than the obvious, engine runs, no apparent coolant leaks. And I just had the 120,000 mile service items done.

I am capable of doing some of the work, certainly the bolt-on stuff, and don't mind scrounging used parts out of a yard.

But, is the core support something that can be bent straight? Would a replacement have to be welded in? Is the fender a bolt on item, or is there welding involved? Should I walk away from it?

I would just as soon keep the car (and the insurance settlement) if I can get it back on the road without it costing too much, and if it's safe!

Any advice?

Charles Grammer