How much work replace just one side of tunnel?

[twyztid]

I am working on repairing a low mile 08 LTX that slid backwards into a tree. The tunnel extension was damaged and the left side of the tunnel was bent and pushed up. If I bought a used tunnel (already found one), how much work would it be to replace just the left side of the tunnel? By doing so, it would keep the same VIN #. Would the cast part above the front of the tunnel (above and to the sides of the exhaust flex pipes) need to be removed?

It appears the following things would need to be removed to do it. Is there anything else?
Seat, gas tank, track (including drive shaft), skid, exhaust, left footwell, left heat exchanger.

I realize there would be a lot of rivets to be drilled out and replaced. I have access to an air riveter and the OEM-type rivets.

I had thought about trying to straighten out the tunnel but I am worried that even if I get it straight, it will be weaker than it originally was. Thoughts?

I was looking at this photo of a tunnel and it appears pretty straight forward unless there are rivets hidden under that upper cast piece or if I can't get the tunnel piece to slide in behind the panel behind the primary clutch.

 

[twyztid]

Anyone?

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[TBay Sledhead]

sounds about right but the tunnel is one piece.

 

[twyztid]

sounds about right but the tunnel is one piece.

Incorrect. It is a top and 2 side pieces riveted together

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[HighSpeedLowDrag]

If you remove the rear suspension and block the inside of the tunnel with wooden blocks and wedges and apply pressure to the tunnel in the direction it needs to move I bet you could tap it straight with a wooden block and hammer.

 

[twyztid]

If you remove the rear suspension and block the inside of the tunnel with wooden blocks and wedges and apply pressure to the tunnel in the direction it needs to move I bet you could tap it straight with a wooden block and hammer.

I am thinking about trying that first. I checked out the tunnel again last night with a straight edge. It appears that it is straight but is bent up about 5/8" on the left side.

The right exhaust outlet is also bent down about 3/8"-1/2".

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[TBay Sledhead]

Sorry I thought the tunnels were all one piece, I guess times have changed.