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Took a direct 30-40mph impact straight on into the driver front wheel spinning the front end around 90 degrees. All repairable. Body work and replacement of the suspension in that corner. The big deal is whether or not the frame passes inspection.
Thanks for the tip on the Tiger Shark bumper, enticing, also double the price so another $400 to me but I get it, now is the time. If repaired there is already other stuff being added for the same reason. One of those was the license plate cover and that costs far more than I would have thought and comes close to the additional $400 for the Tiger bumper. Wow, that could work out. Is there a precut clear bra pattern for that bumper?
It took a long time to find a silver C5, manual, all options, in excellent condition with reasonable mileage. I am inclined to repair it. For those saying replace it, why?
Body parts for A C5 are available used already painted and are relatively inexpensive.
If you are doing your own wrenching I would assume it could be done for less than $2,500-$3,000.
I cant tell from the picture if the inner wheel house is cracked. They are kind of a PITA to change but doable. It is epoxied to the frame and alignment is critical.
The rack and pinion may have taken a beating. It may be leaking in the boot.
You may need another front rim if yours is no longer true.
Other than that the work looks easy.
If the frame damage, if any, is to the aluminum engine cradle only, then it can be replaced.
I acquired a C3 with similar damage years ago and the previous owner went with the "custom" repair that included a "Mako Shark" nose. I bought it as a basket case for $500. When it was all done everyone knew it was previously wrecked because no one would take a perfectly good car and install aftermarket custom parts. The tiger shark bumper is in the same category, like wearing a sign, I've been wrecked and put back together will mail order parts.
Let the emotion go away and the decision you need to make is all about money $$. Depending on the insurance settlement and the amount of damage a decision will become clear. In my case I would have been financially better off parting out my C3 instead of completing a "custom build". Good luck!
I really don't see much damage from the picture.
The Vette is different from most uni-body cars when it comes to body damage.
The fiberglass body is just cosmetic and panels are easily replaced.
If the frame is okay it should just be a question of money, if you think it can be repaired for less than a replacement or you decide to mod then go for it.
If it wasn't your fault, I'd be having my attorney going after the other guys insurance for a complete replacement. Not to mention mental anguish, and lawyer fees. If someone hit mine, I'd be going ballistic!!
Visual inspection of the frame may not tell all. It may look ok until it's put on an alignment rack. Then you would know for sure if the frame is good.
I'd say go after the other guys Ins.co. and make them pay.
Thanks for all the replies!
Leadfoot4, nothing wrong with the other three corners.
Rob 02 you know the C5. Inner wheel house has to be replaced along with the bent/warped headlight assy and both of those added big bucks. This kind of impact is way more forgiving on the passenger side. Drivers side has a pump and computer which also got nailed. The suspension is gone along with some of the steering mech. Wheel will be replaced - lots of cosmetic damage. I would be surprised if the wheel was still true.
Sabre34, if all I wanted was a silver C5 in good condition that is easy. It took many months to find a silver C5, coupe, manual, all options, in excellent condition with reasonable mileage and still had to drive 3 hours away to get it. And after all that I still had odds and ends to clean up over the year. If the frame passes this C5 will be repaired! If the frame is gone a 2007-2009 C6 looks very likely for replacement - that's a much easier market.
DDaaryl, if I can't get a precut clear bra pattern for the Tiger Shark I'll pass for that and a few other reasons. This C5 lived in the sticks and the paint was near flawless when I got it with 66k. Over the next 10k miles the road trash where I live ate it up. Clear Bra will be installed on any car going forward...
SG Lou, frame is being measured, not a visual inspection.
And for those wondering, my fault... It's covered by insurance and the repairs just wiggled their way into total territory so it is my decision - insurance company will go either way.
11-25-2017, 12:03 PM
C5 near total - what would you do?
The tiger shark bumper is in the same category, like wearing a sign, I've been wrecked and put back together will mail order parts. 
In my case I would have been financially better off parting out my C3 instead of completing a "custom build". Good luck! 
It's covered by insurance and the repairs just wiggled their way into total territory so it is my decision - insurance company will go either way.