Re: 2017 Dodge Challenger SXT - Mostmint #45
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 11:55 pm
sheet metal/bumper cover:
* heavy lifting fixing the RR fender: move the metal for the inner fenders and all along the bottom into position. this side was a little more crushed in so additional work was needed: had to cut a large window into the inside support so I could access more of the sheet metal. Also had to straighten the metal at the top of the fender above the taillight as it was buckled a little bit as well. The outside edge on the back of the fender moved out about 1 3/4" to get close to its original configuration. * clean and paint the exposed metal resulting from the reshaping and the crash - went with black as it was in stock (thank you David Bales) * ordered and installed the rear bumper cover retaining brackets. These are plastic and were missing/destroyed in the crash
Test fitting the wheels uncovered a significant issue. The left rear sits about 1" lower than the right, the left wheel is 1/2" further forward than the right, and the left wheel sticks out of the wheel well about an inch. This set me back a bit and had me questioning what additional things might be bent. Spent a bit of time checking the part #'s to ensure the Charger parts are really right, learned how to actually install new suspension parts from the factory service manual, and in looking for damage I found the left rear toe link to be bent. It's touching the lower control arm and the other side clears by over 1/2". * Cleaned the rims and the hubs as they fit tight due to oxidation
* Loosened the bolts holding all the suspension pieces that were installed, as these are to be torqued down with suspension under weight of the vehicle
wiring:
* uncovered the license plate LED light is crushed - switched in this part from the parts car * located a source for a new pigtail for blind spot sensor module and order it
* the LR side marker plug also damaged - switched in one of these from the parts car. In true Chrysler fashion, the wires have to be connected backwards to make the LED work * LR side marker was damaged - glued it and sealed up with silicone
* heavy lifting fixing the RR fender: move the metal for the inner fenders and all along the bottom into position. this side was a little more crushed in so additional work was needed: had to cut a large window into the inside support so I could access more of the sheet metal. Also had to straighten the metal at the top of the fender above the taillight as it was buckled a little bit as well. The outside edge on the back of the fender moved out about 1 3/4" to get close to its original configuration. * clean and paint the exposed metal resulting from the reshaping and the crash - went with black as it was in stock (thank you David Bales) * ordered and installed the rear bumper cover retaining brackets. These are plastic and were missing/destroyed in the crash
Test fitting the wheels uncovered a significant issue. The left rear sits about 1" lower than the right, the left wheel is 1/2" further forward than the right, and the left wheel sticks out of the wheel well about an inch. This set me back a bit and had me questioning what additional things might be bent. Spent a bit of time checking the part #'s to ensure the Charger parts are really right, learned how to actually install new suspension parts from the factory service manual, and in looking for damage I found the left rear toe link to be bent. It's touching the lower control arm and the other side clears by over 1/2". * Cleaned the rims and the hubs as they fit tight due to oxidation
* Loosened the bolts holding all the suspension pieces that were installed, as these are to be torqued down with suspension under weight of the vehicle
wiring:
* uncovered the license plate LED light is crushed - switched in this part from the parts car * located a source for a new pigtail for blind spot sensor module and order it
* the LR side marker plug also damaged - switched in one of these from the parts car. In true Chrysler fashion, the wires have to be connected backwards to make the LED work * LR side marker was damaged - glued it and sealed up with silicone