well we had it up on the lift today at the shop. It looks as if the car is not bent. The bottom of the front strut broke. thats why it sits like that.
I ripped everything out of it just incase its a gonner.

Most of the guys in the shop think he can be fixed.

 

Sorry to come so late to this thread, and really sorry to hear about Thunder. I know from experience, it sucks like an Electrolux.

I wouldn't try eyeballing the damage and guesstimating if it can be fixed or not. Mine did not look so bad, but there was buckling I was not aware of, not only the frame but the floor as well. Because of the severity of the impact, as well, some things that I hadn't thought of needing after the wreck were listed on the adjuster's checklist (starter, alternator, engine electrical harness, body mounts, radiator cradle).

If they haven't already, I'd wait to make a judgement until the insurance takes a look. I can't see your pictures (on my computer at work, and whatever site is hosting the pictures is blocked), but if there's any electrical damage, look for any damage estimates to at least double because of the cost of replacement. Case in point, the above-mentioned engine electrical harness ran $1,300+ U.S.

 

Okay, on the school computer I can see the pictures. If there's any axle damage, looks like it might be on the front, which is do-able as long as there's minimal damage to the steering knuckle, you'd probably just have to swap out a CV shaft. The rear axle is troubling, though, because it seems like it's on a funny camber angle, and there's no rear camber adjustment on the HHR. That might possibly be damage to the solid axle, which (I know from my insurance estimate) runs, also, about $1300 U.S.

Good luck, I hope things turn out okay with both you and Thunder.

 

Thanks all.

Well I got the word that thunder is written off, but Its not over for him.
The most they will give me is 14k for it. I payed taxes in 23k. And i only have 24k KM's on it. So Thunder is going into the shop for a 383 stroker and rear wheel drive. The under side of the car is not bent at all. So Thunder is here still, just not driving right now.

 

Everyone becarefull we DO NOT want the HHR to become a dying breed!!!!!

 

I see a few more of them every month around here - I don't think THAT will happen. We just gotta avoid the idiots on the roads, right -- somehow!

 

Okay, well are you all set to restore it then? What do you have in mind?