Teenage drivers suck

After spending a day replacing the pittman and idler arms for my son, two weeks later he hit a tree. 25 years of hard driving without any major damage, and as soon as I turn it over to my son, he does this. FML. So now we're learning some wrenching skills together.

Can anyone tell me what the part I've circled in red is? Bumper impact bar? It was bent in, so I'm guessing we need to replace it, but we can't tell if it is wedged into place by the impact or if we're missing some bolts, because it ain't budging. Plus I want to check the radiator, even though nothing is dripping.

Here's our parts list otherwise:
· Headlight, passenger side
· Lower turn signal, passenger side, part #8151035080, $19.43 including bulb
· Lower turn signal, driver side, part #8152035080, $19.69 inc. bulb
· Bumper impact bar (front), part #52021 (or maybe 5202135140), $271.64
· Hood , part #5330189124, $110
· Silver trim around headlights and front of grill ??? IDK what this part is called either.
· Bumper if existing one is toast. Need to take another look when I'm not blinded by rage.

The headlights and turn signals can be bought as a package for about the same, plus my headlights will be the same. $150 Here's the pic, thanks in advance! Any general advice or flaming is welcome, this is how I learn!

 

I think that’s called “radiator core support”

 

I think you're right, thanks! I thought it was just the top piece. There's a lot of stuff attached to that, so I think we're going to use a come-along and try to pull it back into shape.

 

I would do the same, who knows what the teen is up to ;-)

man I feel ya, our one will turn 15 in august... I already said there will be now valuable vehicle for him. When they don’t destroy it by hitting a tree or something else then with there own idea of mods

 

We just had an 18 year old pass away here. 04 Suburban went sideways into a tree........

 

When I was 16 we had two rental cars in the driveway at the same time. I'll leave it at that. 26 years later and only 2 comprehensive claims since.

 

Sorry to see that happened. When I was a teen in the mid-to-late 70s, I took special care of my vehicles. My first was a '72 Gremlin with a 304 V-8, and then my Dad and I restored a 1967 Mustang convertible, which became mine. Maybe I was more responsible. You would be very hard pressed to find a teen like that nowadays. Our own son messed up our long-lasting '02 Highlander. Distracted driving (cell phones) and doing absolutely stupid sh*t like inhaling things that have proven to very detrimental to one's health - seems to be the majority of teens today.

 

Sorry to hear about the accident. He'll learn. Glad your having him repair it with you, it will drive the safety point home. Too many times parents just pay the bill at the shop and kid drives next day.

Around here, drivers of all ages are significantly worse than 10 years ago. Merging without signals, lead foot driving, passing on the right, and preoccupation with phones, not just texting. I shake my head every time I see someone on their phone trying to make a left hand turn across 3 lanes during rush hour.

 

I had go carts as a child that I drove all over the place, so when I transitioned to the automobiles, it was not a big deal. I taught my kids to drive by making them drive the golf cart for me while I played golf. Daughter hit a tree. Son did fine. Now that they both have their own cars....which are both 5 and 6 speed manuals.....both are doing great. Not jinxing either by bragging too much.

 

Last May my son slowly rolled into the back of a Sienna minivan with his Wrangler... Creased the minivan tailgate... He is now in the middle of paying me the $2350 for the cost to repair the minivan. Not filing a claim for that bit of stupidity and he received a cheap lesson and reminder every month about paying attention.

 

Hmmm, so you are saying that having somewhat of a classic and rare car and a car that you personally restored caused you to drive with a little more care and caution? Imagine that. LOL.

My daughter's fiance' is the same way. He and his dad built his first car (61 VW) when he was 14. Plus he has an old jeep that he restored. He takes really good care of his cars. My daughter never built a car but she started riding dirt bikes at 6 and driving a stick in the desert at about 8 or 10. Got her a MT Toyota truck for her first vehicle. Only two seats so she would never be asked to be the school bus for her friends and with a MT none of her friends would ever ask to drive it. Worked out pretty well.

 

Yes, I love that idea, no room for passengers.

 

My dad did that for my 17 year old nephew... Bought him a 1991 Ford Explorer, fixed it up really nicely, and removed the back seat. LOL! Even so, he STILL crashed it into a tree. He's walking now...