So it finally happened. My Jeep kissed a Honda and didn't fare very well. I've a 1998 XJ, Stone White, with 378k+ on it. Still doesn't smoke. But as you can guess, insurance won't pay to fix it - because it's old and has a lot of miles on it. So, I'm doing it myself. I've got everything from the front header panel to the fender bracket to the bumper bracket sourced and ready to buy - just waiting on the check. I have one part I'm not sure about, and here where someone hopefully can answer me.

There's a small panel on the inside of the engine compartment, drivers side, that the air filter housing and the engine controller mount onto. Not the fender, the smaller formed panel that's spot welded that makes up the engine compartment. It's a bit crinkled, and I'm concerned it will throw off the geometry for alignment when I start putting parts back on the front end.

Anyone know what that's called?

Oh, and here's Lilly after the accident.

Yep. Before the smash-up, only paint problem was the two spots on the hood.

 

It's probably part of the inner fender and not available separately.

Might have to straighten it.

 

The airbox and PCM mount to what most call the inner fender. Chryslers calls it a "front inner wheelhouse", in the 97-98 parts catalog. You need the left side, but the only the right side keeps popping up thru Google.

Right - part # 55235624
Left - part # 55235625

Find a solid donor and cut it out, or look yours over to see just how bad it is. Its just steel, and steel can be bent back into shape and welded if need be, if its not too bad. Take a pic of the panel. It might be salvageable. I thought there was a thread floating around here somewhere on a similar repair, but cant remember whos it was.

 

There was/is and the consensus is to either repair or weld in new.

 

Yeah, most just cut one out from the JY and weld it in.

Straightening it isn't always an option but probably easier if its still possible

 

Thanks - kinda what I thought. I'll get a inside pic today on the panel if I can.

 

Looking towards front of vehicle - where airbox sits.

Looking from front of vehicle.

Another shot from the front.

Top down view.
Inside of fender well. Looks like I might be able to bang it out, or go get a scrapped one and replace it. What do y'all think? Also, thanks for the tips and info everyone - much appreciated.

 

I would try to hammer it out if you can - definitely looks possible!

https://www.harborfreight.com/automo...-pc-63259.html