Smashed on the Freeway - Lower front end repair

[randoms]

After a stellar performance on a 1000 mile road trip, and a mere 15miles from home, old Gerta (1993 525i M50, 208,000 miles), was introduced to a wayward kayak rack at 70mph.

The lower bumper/airdam and lower radiator/condensor and 'shelf' took the hit. I think the bumper and air dam is serviceable.

The shelf that supports the bottom of the condenser and radiator was pushed back and mashed a few inches on the left side. The condenser looks banged up but the tubing looks intact. The radiator is leaking some from the area of impact, though it's staying mostly full, but has been pushed off of it's mounts; the left mount looks to be snapped off.

I am assuming I need replace at least the radiator and lower shelf bracket. The bracket part worries me since it's a part that is riveted to the main frame members. The radiator is straight forward. The condenser, I'll have to have tested and see what's up.

As a DIY project, how do I replace the bottom shelf unit? Also, are there any other things I should look out for given the nature of the damage. I've attached a few photos that show the damage.

What would you do? Thank you.

/r

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[BigKriss]

i think you know what to do.

[whiskychaser]

Unless you ran over your own kayak rack, doesnt the problem lie with whoever does own it?

[randoms]

i think you know what to do.

But I don't. I guess the big question is how do I repair the lower radiator support? I can handle the radiator.

[randoms]

The rack was on the freeway. The car it fell off of was likely miles ahead by the time I hit it. I would love to know who's car it came from, believe me.

[whiskychaser]

The rack was on the freeway. The car it fell off of was likely miles ahead by the time I hit it. I would love to know who's car it came from, believe me.
You may not be able to do this but we would probably hold the council responsible. They put up signs on the motorway like 'workmen in the road, animals in the road, debris in the road' so IMHO accept responsibility for the state of the carriageway.
The part below the rad on mine is structural: it stops the wings going in opposite directions. If we are talking about the same bit I'd say it needs to be sorted professionally

[Tiger]

Did you call your insurance... it maybe covered.

[randoms]

Maybe, but my deductible is more than the car is worth.

[Tiger]

Not even sure if you have to pay deductible.